LaganView Enterprise Centre was officially opened today (Friday 25th April) by Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland and Alderman Paul Porter, Lisburn City Council.The £1.1 million centre is situated in the Old Warren Estate in the outskirts of Lisburn. It comprises 3 workshop units, 6 retail office units, an IT suite, a large community hall and a multi-purpose training room.The 10,000 sq ft project has been funded by the International Fund for Ireland, who provided £452,320; Lisburn City Council who provided £319,886; Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment (PEACE II Measure 1.1 Business Competitiveness and Development) who provided £299,481; NI Housing Executive who provided land valued at £180,000 and Old Warren Partnership who contributed £8,152.Speaking at the official launch, Denis Rooney said, “This project was a great example of how a community facility can make a real difference to the people living around it.“Creating conditions where businesses can flourish has been a key area of activity for the Fund. This facility will nurture an enterprise culture through the provision of affordable workspace in one of the largest estates in Lisburn which will greatly benefit the local people and is essential for the future of the Old Warren Estate.”Councillor James Tinsley, Mayor of Lisburn City Council commented at the opening today, “We are delighted to see this project officially opened. This essential work and community space will facilitate the growth of small businesses that are the lifeblood of our local economy. The site has already created 10 jobs with the potential for more.” Noel Lavery, Deputy Secretary, DETI, said, “The economic revitalisation measure of the Peace II programme provides financial assistance which aims to support the economic transition of Northern Ireland to a more stable, peaceful and prosperous society. This is demonstrated through the construction of workspace units such as we see here today. This Peace II investment totalling £299,481 will help stimulate growth, develop potential, create jobs and facilitate skills acquisition. In this way, it will contribute towards increased investment and employment opportunities for the people of Lisburn.”Mr Stephen Graham, South Eastern Area Manager with the Housing Executive commented, “It is great to see an area which was in need of economic development benefit from this excellent new community facility. The Housing Executive has collaborated with Old Warren Partnership and other statutory and voluntary agencies in a number of initiatives over the years. This is one example of the tangible benefits which can arise from such partnership working. The Housing Executive was pleased to be able to contribute the land element of this project and we look forward to continuing our working relationship in the future.”John McStea, Director of LaganView said, “We are delighted to see the centre officially opened by our funders and young people here today. We already have a SureStart crèche, a convenience store and Lisburn Community Self Build garden furniture workshop planned for the centre and Lisburn Men’s Education Network and an Ethnic Minority Project planned for the office units.  We are confident this project will transform the area and provide training and job opportunities for our local people.”

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