The Gallaigh Community Centre in Derry has officially opened its doors after years of waiting by residents.
Work started on the project a number of years again and was one of a number of schemes in the city after the completion of the community hubs in Shantallow and Top of the Hill.
The vibrant new £1.5m hub was funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) and the Department for Communities.
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A score of community programmes will now operate from the site and the 830m2 single-story building will provide modern, dedicated office space and multipurpose rooms.
The centre will also provide a home for a number of community organisations including the Galliagh Women's Group, On Street Community Youth, Galliagh Residents Association, Teach Na Failte, Community Restorative Justice, and Rainbow Child and Family Centre.
Derry and Strabane Mayor, Sandra Duffy, said there was much excitement ahead of the official opening. She said: "I am absolutely thrilled to see the long-awaited Galliagh Community Centre officially opened today.
"It will provide the much-needed new facilities to enable many local groups to deliver their vital work right in the heart of the Galliagh area.
"As a community representative in this area for many years, I am aware of the wonderful work that goes on and the strong community network that is the backbone of the local community.
"I would like to thank the Council and the Department for Communities for their ongoing efforts to build better-shared spaces and deliver state-of-the-art facilities for everyone to enjoy."
Meanwhile, the Director of Health and Community for DCSDC, Karen McFarland, said: "This is a very positive day for the Galliagh community, and the new centre will be a busy hub of activity for a wide range of groups in the area.
"Council have an ongoing commitment to invest in local communities and it's fantastic to reach the successful completion of another vital project that will have a major impact on people's lives.
"I want to thank our community partners and the Department for their ongoing support of the efforts to build better communities, with fit-for-purpose community buildings and improved infrastructure to assist in the delivery of important programmes and services."
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