£1m work continues at community centre

£1m work continues at community centre

21 May 2025

WORK is continuing on a near £1m upgrade of the Ballynahinch Community Centre.

The Newry, Mourne and Down Council investment in the Windmill Street facility includes internal and external modifications in addition to essential structural enhancements to ensure the building remains accessible and fully operational for residents and users for many years to come.

A series of consultations with the public, staff and centre users helped shape a new internal layout designed to increase the centre’s usage and meet the evolving needs of the local community.

Key upgrades and enhancements include a new 100 square metre multi-purpose room which will provide additional space for activities such as aerobics, yoga, and large meetings. 

This new space is expected to increase the centre’s capacity to accommodate additional bookings, particularly during peak times. 

A meeting room will be added to accommodate smaller meetings, one-to-one sessions or group gatherings for up to 20 people. 

The investment also includes a new changing places toilet facility equipped with specialist features such as hoists, privacy curtains, adult-sized changing benches and ample space for carers, making it suitable for use by people with severe disabilities.

And to address longstanding parking issues, the renovation will include an increase in parking capacity from the current 13 spaces — including two disabled bays —to a total of 33 spaces providing more convenient access for users.

Rowallane councillor, Jonny Jackson, visited the community hub last week and met with local authority officials Joe Deegan to view progress on the refurbishment investment.

“Once work is completed, the centre will benefit from reconfigured rooms which means more space, better facilities and more car parking spaces which will be a great addition,” added Cllr Jackson.