ABC Council announces £2.5 million-pound investment in Lurgan community facilities

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Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray, Mark Collins (Collins-Rolston Consultants), Charlene Stoops (Interim Chief Executive, ABC Council) and elected members from Lurgan DEA Councillors Mary O’Dowd, Keith Haughian, Peter Haire and Peter Lavery at Mourneview Community Centre in Lurgan.

A major £2.5 million-pound investment in community infrastructure in the Lurgan area has taken a significant step forward with the appointment of project consultants to progress the redevelopment of two key community centres.

The investment will see the full rebuild of Mourneview Community Centre and the refurbishment and extension of North Lurgan Community Centre, delivering modern, fit-for-purpose facilities designed to meet the needs of local communities for generations to come.

Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray, Mark Collins (Collins-Rolston Consultants), Charlene Stoops (Interim Chief Executive, ABC Council) and elected members from Lurgan DEA Councillors Peter Lavery, Peter Haire, Keith Haughian and Mary O’Dowd at North Lurgan Community Centre.

The investment was approved by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council in December 2024 as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening community infrastructure and supporting the delivery of local services, programmes and activities.

Following a competitive procurement process, Collins-Rolston has now been appointed as the Independent Design Team (IDT) and will lead the design and delivery phases of both projects.

Welcoming the appointment, Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray said: “This £2.5 million investment marks a major commitment to the future of community provision in Lurgan. Community centres play a vital role at the heart of our neighbourhoods, providing spaces for connection, support, learning and development.

“These projects will ensure that Mourneview and North Lurgan have modern, accessible and sustainable facilities that can continue to serve local people for many years to come.”

A dedicated Project Board has been established, to oversee the progression of both projects and ensure effective planning, delivery and stakeholder engagement throughout. Recognising the important role these centres play in supporting community activity, Council has committed to working closely with groups and users to help manage any potential disruption during the redevelopment process, including signposting to alternative local facilities where needed.

The next key milestone for the projects is expected to include:

  • 2026–2027: Project planning and design development, including site investigations, concept design and planning submission
  • 2027–2028: Securing planning approval, completing technical design and procurement, and beginning construction.
  • 2028–2029: Construction completion and handover of the new and improved facilities.

Further updates on the projects, including design developments and construction timelines, will be shared as they become available.