The Lodge in Castlewellan took on a new lease of life today (4th April 2008) when it was officially opened as a new culture and business centre following extensive renovations undertaken over the past year.

Situated in Main Street, the listed building which has been refurbished at a cost of more than £804,244 incorporates 6,823 sq ft of high specification office, training and community space including eight lettable retail offices as well as conference facilities and a cultural performance area. Traditional Irish music organisation, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eíreann has been secured as anchor tenant.

The project has been funded by the International Fund for Ireland which has contributed £391,256 to the scheme, the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) which has granted £183,000 through the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity programme, the Department for Social Development (DSD) which has donated £141,256 and Down District Council £52,000. The remainder of the funding has been raised by the project facilitators Castlewellan Regeneration Company Limited.

Deidre Ryan, Board member of the International Fund for Ireland, said:
"The International Fund for Ireland has enjoyed an enduring and successful relationship with Castlewellan Regeneration Company and was a key funder of the Hillyard House project.
"I am delighted that the Fund is able to offer its support again for this new project. The restoration of the property will not only have a tremendous positive impact on the ongoing regeneration of Castlewellan but will boost local enterprise and act as a focal point for cultural and community activity in the area. We wish the work of the centre well."
Margaret Ritchie, Minister for Social Development, speaking at the official opening in the newly refurbished building, said: "Since being appointed Minister for Social Development, I have had the opportunity to visit many community-based regeneration projects all across Northern Ireland. I never cease to be amazed by the energy and commitment of local people who, working in partnership with my officials and others, manage to deliver important regeneration schemes for their communities. It is important to remember that these people are working in an entirely voluntary capacity, in the evenings and at weekends, for no personal gain."

Shortly after taking up office, I attended the official launch of this project and I am delighted to be back here today to see it come to fruition.  I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the people who make up Castlewellan Regeneration Company and other similar community-based organisations throughout Northern Ireland."

Speaking at the launch RDC Council member Kenneth Rankin said, "As an organisation we are constantly striving to assist rural communities realise a vision for their area. RDC staff have been involved with this group since 2002 and have, over those six years, witnessed their determination in restoring this beautiful building into a cultural and business centre. This group and this community have long dreamt of this day, of filling this old house with activity and life and the sound of music. We are delighted that the centre is finally open and salute the group for their endeavours."

Councillor Eamon O'Neill, Chairman of Castlewellan Regeneration Company Limited, said: "Castlewellan attracts many visitors each year due to its natural beauty. This business and cultural centre will enable us to capitalise on tourism development by providing space for business enterprise and cultural activities. I have no doubt that the Centre will be of huge benefit to the commercial and community life of Castlewellan for many years to come."

Castlewellan Regeneration Company Limited was established in 1993 to regenerate the economic, environmental and social life of the Castlewellan area. This project follows on from the company's successful Hillyard House scheme completed in 2002 and whose profits have been reinvested into The Lodge.

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