The village of Kircubbin is today celebrating the official opening of Maxwell’s Courtyard which provides a major boost for the village with the potential to create up to 20 jobs. The £686,000 redevelopment project led by the Kircubbin Regeneration Programme Ltd (KRP) with funding from the International Fund for Ireland and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and other funders have provided a new lease of life for this listed building, regenerating the site for the benefit of the local community. Speaking at the opening John McDaid, board member from the International Fund for Ireland, said: “We are delighted to support this project which will have a very positive social and economic impact in Kircubbin and the local area. Maxwell’s Courtyard with its focus on the arts, provides both community and commercial space right in the heart of Kircubbin. We are already seeing its potential to draw in visitors to the area and in turn boosting the local economy. Michelle Gildernew, MP MLA, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, also added her congratulations. Commending the local development group for their persistence and efforts in bringing the project to fruition, the Minister said.“I am delighted to be here to see the results of Kircubbin Regeneration Programme’s renovation of Maxwell’s Courtyard. Through the creation of workspaces, retail premises and, just as significant, a meeting space for local groups, Maxwell’s Courtyard has been established as a hub for social, economic and cultural activities within the village.  “I am proud that my Department, through the work of the South Down Fishing Taskforce and assistance of the Integrated Development Fund, has been able to contribute to the successful delivery of this project.” Colin Jack, speaking at the event said, "The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister is very pleased to be associated with this project.  It is through initiatives by groups such as Kircubbin Regeneration Programme that communities can work together to bring about a shared and better future for all."Mr Robin Drysdale, Mayor of Ards Borough Council said "The Council has been a civic, cultural and economic development partner with Kircubbin Regeneration Group and has played both investment and technical assistance roles in regard to Maxwell's Courtyard. “Together with Kircubbin's excellent showing in the 2007 Co-operation Ireland "Pride of Place"  Awards, Maxwell's Courtyard shows the results of practical partnership and it is  in every sense a flagship scheme which is worthy of praise and further support."Eamon Fitzgerald, Chairman of Kircubbin Regeneration Programme Ltd, said: “On behalf of our hard working committee I am delighted to see the Maxwell's Courtyard Complex completed and trust it will be the catalyst for the continued regeneration of Kircubbin and the surrounding area. Over the past four years the hard work of the committee, with the invaluable assistance of the Fund, the Fisheries Task Force, Ards Borough Council and the local community has made it possible to resurrect this local landmark site from ruin. It is now a thriving focus for new businesses and will provide much needed community and arts facilities for the area.''Maxwell’s Courtyard’s three commercial units have already been let to the Portaferry Credit Union, Peninsula Gallery and Crafts and Ella Rose gift shop. The three office spaces are currently let to The Peninsula Foot Clinic, Kircubbin Community Church, and innovative jeweller ‘Lotus de Wit’. Two 2 storey commercial units at the back of the building are still available for let. The Inishargy room is the largest space and is used frequently by the McKenna school of Irish Dancing, a successful cross community group.The redevelopment of Maxwell’s Courtyard has enhanced Kircubbin’s facilities and is already attracting a large number of tourists and visitors to the area.

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