LAGMORE Youth Project has secured £160,000 through the Community Ownership Fund, bringing it a significant step closer to replacing its deteriorating marquee with a permanent community facility.
More than 500 registered young people aged between eight and 24 rely on the project, which was established in 2019 to address the shortage of dedicated youth provision in Lagmore. It now delivers activities across 50 weeks of the year, supported by more than 30 active volunteers.
Its services include after-school programmes, mentoring, educational support, sport, mental health and wellbeing initiatives, leadership development and cross-community activities.
However, much of this work is delivered from a temporary marquee that has deteriorated significantly. Damp, condensation and mould, alongside limited storage and a lack of suitable private space, are creating increasing challenges for staff, volunteers and young people.
The need for improved facilities is reinforced by the September 2025 Colin Locality Planning Group Needs Assessment, which found that children under 18 account for almost 29 per cent of the local population, compared with approximately 23 per cent across the north.
Councillor Joe Duffy welcomed the funding, describing it as a major milestone for the project and the wider community.
"Lagmore Youth Project provides vital support to more than 500 young people, yet its staff and volunteers are delivering this work from accommodation that is no longer fit for purpose," he said.
"This funding brings us closer to providing the permanent facilities the organisation and the community deserve. We are now pursuing additional investment through the Local Growth Fund to help make that ambition a reality."
Danny Baker MLA said the investment would help ensure young people had access to a safe, welcoming and suitable environment.
"I have seen first-hand the difference Lagmore Youth Project makes to young people and families. Its work in mentoring, sport, mental health support and personal development is invaluable.
"The project has grown enormously, but its accommodation has not kept pace. This investment is an important step towards giving the organisation the permanent home it needs to continue supporting the next generation."
The proposed development involves acquiring an existing relocatable modular building for the project's established site at Lagmore Drive. It would provide flexible activity and meeting spaces, improved accessibility, secure storage and suitable facilities for mentoring, family support and confidential one-to-one sessions.
The project has already made significant progress, with a long-term site lease secured, planning permission for a youth centre granted in October 2025 and professional design work completed.
While the £160,000 award represents a substantial contribution, further investment and completion of the remaining acquisition arrangements are required before the facility can be delivered.
Councillor Duffy is now pursuing additional support through the Local Growth Fund.
He added: "This is about more than replacing a building. It is about creating a lasting community asset, giving local families better access to support and ensuring future generations have the facilities and opportunities they deserve."
