Residents begin campaign for new Ballynahinch centre

Residents begin campaign for new Ballynahinch centre

18 January 2012

RESIDENTS at the Langley Road estate in Ballynahinch have taken the first tentative step towards developing a new sports and well-being centre.

They were joined last week by several local politicians for a meeting with Down Council’s Director of Recreation, Mr. Michael Lipsett, to discuss their proposal.

The elected representatives included Strangford Assemblyman Simon Hamilton, Ballynahinch councillor Garth Craig and councillor Billy Walker, who was representing Strangford MP Jim Shannon.

Members of the Langley Road Community Association outlined their hope to build a new community facility at the site of one of two hockey pitches at the estate which are no longer used.

Residents also made it clear they were not seeking financial support from the council, but help to identify possible funders. They also said they recognise that their dream won’t be realised in the short or medium term and hope to prepare a business case to present to potential funders.

Describing last week’s meeting with council officials as “useful,” Mr. Hamilton said elected representatives and members of the Langley Road group were able to draw on their experience of releasing similar projects.

He added: “As the Langley Road Community Group begin to develop their positive, forward looking agenda for their area, it’s important that they build a partnership with the likes of Down Council if their dream is to become a reality.

“I think there is tremendous scope for developing a sports and well-being centre at Langley Road which could greatly benefit not just the area itself, but also the wider Ballynahinch community.”

Councillor Walker congratulated the community group for bringing forward the initiative and said they have the support of Mr. Shannon.

“The residents recognise that it’s still very early days and a lot of hard work lies ahead,” he said. “The new sports and well-being centre in Downpatrick took over 10 years to deliver and the Langley Road residents are acutely aware that they won’t taste success overnight.”

Councillor Walker said the Langley residents are “in for the long haul” and are prepared to devote time, energy and enthusiasm to the project.

He added: “Mr. Shannon and Councillor Craig are very supportive of this particular project and are pleased the residents didn’t go to the council with the begging bowl. They are prepared to do the hard work to secure the funding they will require to progress.”