A £1.266 million funding package has been secured to build a new multi-purpose community centre in the Ballymagroaty-Hazelbank area of Derry.

The modern, accessible building will host health and wellbeing services, skills development programmes and social inclusion activities.

Francine Moran, chairperson of the Ballymagroaty Hazelbank Community Partnership board, said the grant follows more than ten years of work by local volunteers and staff and will deliver a lasting legacy for the area.

The facility will sit next to a £832,000 play park recently announced by Derry City and Strabane District Council, creating a shared family-friendly space.

Lisa Moore-Maguire, strategy manager for the Outer West Foyleside Local Growth Partnership, said the combined investments will give children, families and older residents a place to connect and access vital services.

Emer Mc Daid, partnership manager at the community group, added that the new building will allow expanded support for young people, families and isolated individuals, and the adjacent playground will strengthen the offer.

The council had previously allocated £1.311 million to a masterplan for the area, taking total public investment to more than £3.3 million.

The project aligns with the Department for Communities’ Neighbourhood Renewal Programme and the council’s regeneration goals.