Dreams turned into reality at new Kildress Community Hub

It is now proving to be a game-changing asset for the people, with a host of exceptional amenities aimed at meeting the needs of the area during the 21st century.

Erected by the Kildress Wolfe Tones GAA club, the range of facilities which have been provided as part of the ground-breaking project is significant. It’s located at the club’s grounds at Gortacladdy and is a shining example and inspiration to the whole area, and to clubs from further afield as well.

A modern strength and conditioning gym has already captured the attention of Queen’s Park Rangers FC. Four changing-rooms, two kitchens, a medical treatment and recovery room, three meeting, learning and conference rooms, a studio theatre and multi-use area and an attractive multi-use foyer are just some of these features aimed at meeting the ambitions of the club.

future

A decade has now elapsed since the vision for the Hub first began to be developed. As club official, Mark Conway, explains, the driving vision was to provide a building that would help secure the future of this proud rural community.

“To do that it needed to support and energise all parts of our GAA business – our games, culture, community, heritage and environment and it needed to help tackle our appalling ‘services deprivation’ position,” he said.

Kildress sits within the ‘most deprived’ 25 per-cent of areas in the North and are the ‘sixth-worst’ in terms of access and proximity to services.

Over 20 local groups connecting 1,000 people and 11 open public meetings were held to help plan what was needed. Designs were then prepared and work began in August 2019. Of the £1.5 million, £1.1 million has been raised by Kildress Wolfe Tones, with further funding coming from Mid-Ulster Council, Landfill Tax, the Housing Executive and EU LEADER programme.

This project has once again shown the depth of commitment within its people. A decision which proved to be a massive game-changer, was to hold the Club Kildress Development Draw in 2018 which raised a record £501,000.

support

Grace McCullagh, co-ordinator of the Cairde Chill Dreasa fundraising initiative says the support from so many people both inside and outside the area was amazing.

“We had teams of people who travelled all over Ulster. The whole project has cost £1.5 million and the commitment of those who supported our fundraising efforts is so appreciated,” she said.

“It’s absolutely brilliant to be at this stage now where the dream has become a reality. There hasn’t been an official opening yet due to Covid, but a number of different organisations are already availing of the facilities in line with the current guidelines.”

Among the organisations which also supported the project have been The Arts Council, Community Foundation for NI, Co-Operation Ireland, DAERA, CWSAN, Elevate, Mid-Ulster Council, the Tree Council and the National Lottery Community Fund Awards.

Work is now underway to raise more finance for public realm work at the grounds. A one-off fundraiser held late last year saw people run or walk 24 miles in 24 hours, by completing four miles every six hours.

Club Vice-Chairman, Frankie Corey, said they are immensely proud of what has been achieved so far.

“We have no doubt that this new community hub building will achieve what we always wanted and planned it to do – provide an anchor for our people here for many years to come,” he said.

“The needs of the area have changed and people now demand and deserve facilities that are fit for purpose now and into the future.

“We want to make it as good as it can be for the children and young people.

“There are a number of key groups who use the facilities on a regular basis, including dancers, the local karate club and Kildress Boxing Club. There are also yoga, pilates and other classes and there is room for lots more.”

Promotional brochures for the project reflects on how ‘people live in one another’s shelter.’

For decades to come, the Kildress Community Hub is certain to provide a positive shelter for a community moving onwards and upwards.