A new office and community development scheme with the potential to create 15 new jobs for Gilford was officially opened today (Friday 22nd February) by Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland. The new three storey building has been facilitated by Gilford Community Regeneration Company Limited and has been built at a cost of £479,735. The development provides 2,500 sq ft of high specification office space, including four lettable retail offices and a large community space that can be used for general community activities such as meetings and classes. Dream Loans and Rectify – an animal nutritional consultancy, have already been secured as tenants of the building. Situated on Dunbarton Street, the International Fund for Ireland contributed £300,000 to the scheme, the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme managed by the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council, donated £119,000 to the project and Banbridge District Council, provided £39,000 towards the project. The remainder of the funding has been raised by Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd. Speaking at the official opening Denis Rooney said: “We are delighted to be able to support Gilford Community Regeneration Company Limited in this vital project which will have a major economic impact in the area. “The project will address a real need for commercial space in Gilford. It will support the town’s ongoing regeneration as well as providing the community with much needed space for classes, workshops and activities. Everyone involved in the scheme is to be congratulated.”Martin McDonald, Chief Executive, RDC, added, “RDC are delighted to be involved with this project, enabling EU funding to reach rural areas and communities; facilitating community, social and economic activities to co-exist side by side.  This project is the result of hard work and determination by the group over many years and their efforts have delivered a first class facility for the area.”Roy Leckey, Chairman of the Gilford Community Regeneration Company Limited, said: “Our committee was formed in 1996 with a view to seeking funding for a regeneration project in Gilford. Various options were considered and plans submitted, and today sees the fulfilment of that dream. Many obstacles had to be overcome and it has been a long process but thanks to IFI, RDC Banbridge District Council and Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd we have achieved our goal. This is one more step in Gilford’s regeneration and hopefully many more will follow.” Councillor John Hanna said “As Chairman of Bandridge District Council and in particular as a Knockiveagh councillor, member of Banbridge District Enterprises Limited and Gilford Community Forum, I am delighted to be here on this wonderful occasion. The Council is proud to be associated with this scheme and to be promoting the regeneration of Gilford. This new scheme will hopefully act as a catalyst to further similar type regeneration projects in the area. All those involved in this project merit recognition for the contribution they have made. On behalf of the Council, I wish Gilford Community Regeneration Company Limited every success in the management of this building and for the future.”Dr Gordon Byrne, Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd: “Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd is delighted to have been able to contribute financially to this project. Gilford Community Regeneration Company should be commended for their efforts and their perseverance in making this project a reality”.

Click here to download press release: 214.00 Kb