A new state of the art office building located in Main Street, Rathfriland, was officially opened today (Friday 8th February 2008) by Anne Henderson, Board member of the International Fund for Ireland. The new three storey building, which has been facilitated by Rathfriland and District Regeneration Company Limited, has been built at a cost of £477,318 and provides lettable retail space, incorporating two retail units on the ground floor, as well as open plan offices on both the first and second floors. The MJM Group, which specialises in joinery sub-contracting and international ship-outfitting and shop-fitting, has already been secured as anchor tenant. The project has been funded by the International Fund for Ireland (£238,500) and The Bridge Partnership (Banbridge District Local Strategy Partnership Limited £192,559), as well as a guaranteed loan of £21,658 from Ulster Community Investment Trust. The remainder of the funding has been raised by Rathfriland and District Regeneration Company Limited.  Speaking at the official opening, Anne Henderson, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Rathfriland and District Regeneration Company Limited in this vital project which will have a major economic impact in the area. “The International Fund for Ireland has enjoyed a successful relationship with the Company since it was established in the 1990’s and part-funded the restoration and redevelopment of 13 Church Square in 1998. This new project, which is administered through the Fund’s Second Community Project Programme, will address a need for commercial space in Rathfriland as well as support the town’s ongoing regeneration. Everyone involved in the scheme is to be congratulated.”William Cromie, Chair of The Bridge Partnership, added, “As a key funder, The Bridge Partnership is proud to be associated with this project and to be supporting local social economy groups such as Rathfriland and District Regeneration Company Limited to regenerate a centrally located derelict building in the town centre. This project has been part financed by EU funding for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II). Having new ultra modern retail space will hopefully act as a catalyst to further similar type regeneration projects. All those involved in this project merit recognition for the contribution they have made. On behalf of all partners, I wish Rathfriland and District Regeneration Company Limited every success in the future management of this building.” Dr John Shannon, Chairman of Rathfriland and District Regeneration Company Limited, said: “We are delighted to see the completion of another building project in Rathfriland. We are especially pleased to be able to provide office space to a locally grown, international company like MJM, and be able to keep workers of this standard in Rathfriland’s Main Street”.

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