Construction has started on a £3.4 million youth and community hub in Greater Ardoyne, north Belfast. The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly took part in the first sod-cutting ceremony at the former Ardoyne shops site on Crumlin Road.

Belfast City Council is delivering the project. Funding comes from the Executive Office’s Urban Villages initiative, the Department for Communities, the Clothworkers’ Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the council. The Executive Office provided over £2 million.

Ardoyne Youth Enterprise will operate the facility. It includes a creative learning centre with digital learning studios, office space, meeting rooms and a shared area for young people from Ardoyne, Marrowbone, Woodvale and Oldpark.

The hub will offer creative and digital learning, training, youth development and counselling services. It provides space for community engagement and youth activities across north Belfast.

Work is scheduled for completion by March 2027. Councillor Tracy Kelly stated the hub will benefit young people from all communities in north Belfast and allow Ardoyne Youth Enterprise to provide better services from a dedicated venue.

Michelle O’Neill noted Ardoyne Youth Enterprise's vision in turning an empty site into a resource for young people to learn, connect and receive support. Emma Little-Pengelly said the project transforms a derelict site into a place of learning and opportunity with Executive Office support.

Thomas Turley, Director at Ardoyne Youth Enterprise, said the hub supports north Belfast community needs and builds local capacity after hard work by the board, staff and members.