Social Development Minister and Fund Board Member Officially Open New £843,863 Business and Community Centre in Sixmilecross
style="text-align: left;">Social Development Minister Alex Attwood MLA and International Fund for Ireland Board Member David Graham OBE today officially opened a new business and community centre in Sixmilecross.
The £843,863 Project, which has been facilitated by Sixmilecross Enterprise Limited, and has been built on the site of the old co-op building, includes two retail units, five apartments for rental and a community building which provides a base for a range of community events, group meetings and sporting activities.
The project has been funded by the Department for Social Development, the International Fund for Ireland, the Rural Development Council, Big Lottery Fund and Omagh District Council. The remainder of the funding has been raised by Sixmilecross Enterprise Ltd.
Social Development Minister Alex Attwood said: “I am pleased to have been involved in this project, along with our International Fund for Ireland partners. I am impressed by the extent of the commitment, the high level of skills, and the sheer hard work of so many members of voluntary and community organisations. It is satisfying to see such an impressive project emerge after years of planning and fund raising. I wish Sixmilecross Enterprise Limited every success in the future.”The £843,863 Project, which has been facilitated by Sixmilecross Enterprise Limited, and has been built on the site of the old co-op building, includes two retail units, five apartments for rental and a community building which provides a base for a range of community events, group meetings and sporting activities.
The project has been funded by the Department for Social Development, the International Fund for Ireland, the Rural Development Council, Big Lottery Fund and Omagh District Council. The remainder of the funding has been raised by Sixmilecross Enterprise Ltd.
David Graham OBE, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “The International Fund for Ireland is keen to support projects, such as Sixmilecross Enterprise Community Complex, which have the potential to deliver sustainable positive impacts long after the Fund ceases to exist. I am pleased to see that the new workspace units have already attracted tenants and that the community hall which offers a shared space has already become a hub for all types of community activities.”
Leslie Craig, Board Member of the NI Rural Development Council, said “Northern Ireland Rural Development Council, delivering the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity programme, is delighted to have supported this initiative. The determination and commitment shown by the community of Sixmilecross is a beacon for other communities wishing to deliver positive change at grassroots level. We wish them every success for the future”.
Frank Hewitt, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: “The Big Lottery Fund’s Voluntary and Community Sector programme has had a major impact across both rural and urban communities in Northern Ireland. Sixmilecross Enterprise Limited’s business and community centre, funded with over £97,000 from the VCS programme, is giving local people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to participate in a wider range of educational and social activities.”
Councillor Declan McAleer, Chairman of Omagh District Council, said: “Omagh District Council is delighted to have provided part of the funding package for this venture. I congratulate the directors of Sixmilecross Enterprise Limited for the commitment they have shown in bringing this ambitious project to fruition and I am confident that the facilities will prove to be a tremendous boost for the wider community, not only in the village of Sixmilecross but also in the surrounding areas.”
Katrina McNamee, Chairperson of Sixmilecross Enterprise Limited, said: “I am delighted to finally be opening this new community complex which has taken twenty years to bring to fruition. Credit must go to the current and previous committee members of Sixmilecross Enterprise Limited who devoted hours of their time to bring this project forward. I would also like to thank our funders for their vital contributions as well as the people of Sixmilecross for their financial assistance, especially those who donated funds at the very beginning.”
