Improvement works at a popular nature reserve in Newtownabbey are underway as part of a £1 million investment package.
The investment from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council into Carnmoney Hill is set to include a major extension at Rathfern Social Activity Centre, as well as path upgrades, drainage improvements to the pond, and new platforms and fencing around the pond.
Improvement work on the paths began on 18 July and is due to last four weeks. While public access to the pond is not possible during these works, access to Carnmoney Hill has been maintained.
Read more: 'The world’s craziest indoor golf course' arrives in Newtownabbey
Construction on the community centre extension began in February, and once completed it will see the doubling of the current internal floor space, a new reception and entrance area, and additional storage.
As well as this, improvements will see a new youth club, new dance studio, a 'changing places' facility, 14 car parking spaces including three accessibly parking bays, and new landscaping and lighting being added to Rathfern Social Activity Centre.
This extension will benefit the community by facilitating the expanding youth club by enabling them to run up to four nights per week and the popular playgroup will also be able to extend their hours of operation. Other plans for the use of the new space will include new youth, community and training projects to meet the demand of the local community.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Alderman Stephen Ross said: “Once completed, these improvement works at Carnmoney Hill Nature Reserve will further enhance this attractive location for visitors, while the new facilities at the community centre will be a major boon for the local community.”
The project has full planning approval from the Council and both the community centre and Woodland Trust were fully consulted in all proposed works.
READ NEXT:
- NI martial arts gym educating young people about health and fitness
- NI schoolkids give teacher petrol money for end of year present
- Rathcoole social housing development gets go-ahead
- Newtownabbey skate park hailed for bringing communities together
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
