Business case for Strabane youth facility approved

A BUSINESS case for a new youth facility for Strabane town centre has been approved by the Department for Education.

Set to be located on Railway Street adjacent to the Alley Theatre, the new youth centre would be purpose-built and as such, would represent a “major step forward” in youth provision for the area.

A departmental spokesperson explained, “The Strabane Youth Provision Business Case is now progressing through the final stages of approval… however (the) location and details of costings cannot be confirmed until the business case has been approved.”

That business case is currently with the Department for Finance, awaiting approval.

“This is good news and a positive step in getting a new, purpose built Youth facility in Strabane,” West Tyrone MLA, Daniel McCrossan said.

Confirmed

“Last February, Minister Weir confirmed to me that work would start this financial year. Now, it has been confirmed to me that the Department for Education have signed off the business case.

“There is only one final step that remains.

“The Department for Finance need to sign off the business case. I hope they can do this as soon as possible so work can start before the end of the year.”

Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley added, “Strabane has, for too long, been without a purpose built youth provision facility and this represents a major step forward in the delivery of this much needed provision for the area.

“This facility will be of much benefit to the youth of the area and act as a hub for positive activity.”

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