Former world boxing champion Carl Frampton MBE and other special guests visited Midland Social and Recreation Association this week for the official opening of the redeveloped community hub, following a £700,000 upgrade.
The building at Premier Drive off Shore Road is home to a range of clubs including Midland Boxing Club, Midland Senior Citizens, the ‘Nifty 50s’ group and Midland Art Club.
The investment has seen boxing facilities upgraded - including the addition of new female changing rooms and a second ring - while the social space within the building has also been redeveloped. This includes the addition of new accessible toilets and access ramps.
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The project was funded and delivered by Belfast City Council, with additional support from the Garfield Weston Foundation. A grant from The National Lottery Spaces and Places Fund has also enabled the club to transform a derelict piece of ground into a new community garden.
Alderman Frank McCoubrey, Deputy Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee said: “This is a superb asset for the community in north Belfast creating a hub where people can meet and participate in a wide range of programmes.
“The investment is a boost for local boxers in particular. The sport is as popular as ever and women’s boxing is going from strength to strength, so the addition of new female changing rooms and a second ring means that girls and women considering taking up the sport will now have a new home.”
Sam Cochrane, Chairperson of Midland Social and Recreational Association, said: “The club would like thank Belfast City Council and other funders on the work that has been carried out, which is a great asset to the club and the area. The club is looking forward to new beginnings and a new chapter.
"We are particularly looking forward to opening our club to new members including females for the first time. The addition of the second ring will allow us to increase our club members and help the club continue to grow.”
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