The facilities will include a new changing pavillion and community space at Dungannon United Youth's Joe McAree Junior Stadium at Mullaghanagh Black Lane Dungannon.
The new building will support the community with the provision of modern, fit for purpose changing facilities and an enhanced community space that will enable a full programme of activities and opportunities for all ages.
The scheme is being delivered by Mid Ulster District Council with support from the Coalisland and Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership.
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Sean McPeake, has welcomed the start of the work: "I'm delighted that the Council has been able to support a project like this which will create a hub for community and sports activity in the Dungannon area and generate significant social value and community impact.
"Without this funding, the current building would soon be unusable. Now not only will Dungannon United Youth benefit from the new premises, but so too will local residents and other community and sporting organisations in the area. I look forward to following the progress of this project and viewing the new facilities upon completion."
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The Department for Communities is investing almost £748,000 in the project. John Ball, Deputy Director of Community Empowerment Division, West Office said: "This is an important investment for the Department which will see a transformation of the facilities available at this club for the benefit of the families across the Neighbourhood Renewal area and beyond.
"Projects like this require cooperation and partnerships. The support of the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership for the club's plan was vital in getting this development off the drawing board. I particularly welcome the role played by colleagues in Mid Ulster District Council who have shown tremendous commitment in leading the project to this stage and who will be delivering the construction phase."
Chair of the Coalisland & Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, Francie Molloy MP commented: "As Chair of the Coalisland and Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership I am delighted that Dungannon United Youth have secured the funding from the Department for Communities Neighbourhood Renewal Programme for their new build.
"We as a Partnership are delighted that the club will now have modern facilities which can accommodate the vast numbers they attract each week to their many community and sporting programmes. I would like to thank all of those involved in getting the project to this stage, notably the former chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Kim Ashton, for her help and support, and also the current Council Chair Councillor Sean McPeake for helping to resolve some of the outstanding issues. I wish Joe McAree and his support staff all the best in their project."
Joe McAree, Chair of Dungannon United Youth added: "As Chair and on behalf of Dungannon United Youth I am delighted that after a three year wait we now have secured the funding which will get this project up and running. Our sincere thanks to the Department for Communities, to Mid Ulster District Council and indeed to Councillor Kim Ashton and Francie Molloy MP, both of whom have worked tirelessly to make this project happen."
(CM)
