The extensive upgrade works at the Melvin Sports Complex in Strabane have been formally opened by Sport NI Chair Gavin Boyd and Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh.
The £3.2m project, delivered by OB Construction, includes a new dedicated boxing facility and a multi-use sports hall with accommodation for gymnastics. New changing accommodation, a Changing Places Facility, additional storage, and accessible car parking spaces also form part of the development.
The project was made possible following £1,845,000 in funding through Sport NI’s National Lottery Funded Multi Facility Fund.
Sport NI has worked closely with Council and Disability Sport NI to ensure the design is fully inclusive for people with disabilities and meets the requirements of Inclusive Sports Facility Guide.
Gavin Boyd, Chair of Sport NI said: “Sport NI’s Multi Facility Fund, made possible thanks to the National Lottery, has transformed facilities across our communities.
“We’re delighted to have partnered with Derry City and Strabane District Council to deliver this new state of the art facility and provide opportunities for all abilities to participate in sport which is crucial for our physical and mental health.
“We are especially proud that by working with Disability Sport NI, the new building at Melvin Sports Complex and its access routes meet the Accessible Sports Facilities Design Guidelines.
“Thank you to the National Lottery players who raise around £33 million every week for National Lottery-funded projects with Melvin Sports Complex the latest example of how vital this investment is to local sport.”
The opening event was attended by representatives from Sport NI, the National Lottery, Disability Sport NI, and Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Guests watched demonstrations from anchor tenants Mourne Golden Gloves Boxing Club, Lisnafin ABC Boxing Club, and Melvin Gymnastics.
Mayor McHugh paid tribute to all stakeholders for their collaborative work in delivering the state-of-the-art facility.
He added: “I am delighted to formally open this facility, which is a significant addition to sports provision in Strabane and will enhance the experience of the many user groups who use the Melvin Complex,” he said.
“It is particularly good news for the boxing clubs, who now have a permanent home, as well as access to a state-of-the-art hall that is equipped to host a variety of indoor sports and events.
“I would like to thank Sport NI and the National Lottery, whose generous funding made this project possible, and Council officers and all the venue’s stakeholders who worked together to ensure the finished development meets the needs of all users.”
For full details of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s leisure facilities, and to book classes and activities, visit: derrystrabane.com/leisure.