The new Gallaigh Community Centre in Derry will be a "huge step forward" for the local community when it opens its door in the coming weeks.
That's the view of a local councillor for the area who said the community had "waited years" for progress on the project.
SDLP councillor Brian Tierney said the £1.5million space would allow local groups to offer the "best service" they can for the people of Galliagh.
The Department for Communities, the Council and other partners have funded the project that will host the Galliagh Women’s Group, On Street Community Youth, Galliagh Community Group, Teach Na Failte and CRJ.
It's understood the Knockalla Park-based centre will offer a wide range of facilities and amenities including a cafe area, a computer suite, therapy room and multi-purpose area.
The opening of the new hub comes after neighbouring centres in Shantallow and Top of the Hill were opened in 2021.
Other sites, including Ballymagroarty and Hazelbank, Culmore and Glenview are expected to be built in the coming years.
Cllr Tierney said: "The opening of the new Galliagh Community Centre is a huge step forward in our community.
"Galliagh is a community that has never had a proper centre that provides services to the local residents and many people are looking forward to the opening.
"We have many groups who are currently working out of houses and flats spread about the area.
"The centre now gives them a chance to work together to continue offering the best service they can for the people of this area. I have lobbied for this since I joined Council in 2014 and to see the project at this stage is great.
"I look forward to seeing all the groups go from strength to strength in the new centre which is at the heart of the Galliagh."
