Foster welcomes re-opening of Portadown People's Park
Date published:
Finance Minister Arlene Foster MLA has welcomed the re-opening of Portadown People’s Park following its redevelopment as part of a £5.5 million Shared Process and Community Engagement (SPACE) Project.
Funding for the project was provided to Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council through the European Union’s PEACE III Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
The redevelopment of the park includes the construction an amphitheatre, new play areas, pavilion building, synthetic pitches, themed gardens, an upgrade to existing pitches and enhancement to the park through new planting. The works have included improvements to the main entrance tunnel to the park which acts a key access route for local residents and visitors arriving in the town by train.
Speaking at the re-opening ceremony, the Minister said: “The aims of the PEACE III programme, to promote cooperation and reconciliation, are being furthered by the completion of this new shared facility. The new park offers an opportunity for the local community, in Portadown and from the wider area, to come together to enjoy sports, events and play.
“I look forward to the people of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council area and from further afield enjoying this wonderful resource for many years to come.”
A community engagement programme has also been supported as part of the SPACE project. This involves a broad spectrum programme of events, dialogue and engagement, projects and publicity in order to work towards creating a shared space.
Notes to editors:
1. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9081 6724 or 028 9081 6725. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
2. The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU Structural Funds Programmes, PEACE III and INTERREG IVA which are designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society. For more information on the PEACE III programme please visit the SEUPB website.
3. For SEUPB media enquiries please contact John McCandless, Communications Manager with the SEUPB on telephone 07834 778018 or e-mail john.mccandless@seupb.eu