£2.9m for community hub

TWO community projects are to get a £2.9million funding boost.

The facilities at Alliance Avenue, North Belfast, will invest the cash in new premises and a large-scale refurbishment.

The Grace Women’s Development Centre is currently working out of the Ardoyne Community Centre but the money is funding a new purpose-built family centre which will “support local women and families”. A two-storey building will offer childcare for up to 60 children, a counselling suite, a training suite and cafe and office space.

Also getting money is Cancer Lifeline who will use it for a “home from home” centre on Alliance Avenue, “offering support and information for people with cancer and their loved ones”.

Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey said the investment is about improving the “health and wellbeing” of people.