Communities Minister has announced a major new
funding scheme that will deliver refurbishment works to
buildings, halls and facilities used by community and voluntary
organisations across Northern Ireland.
Subject to appropriate approvals, the Northern Ireland Community
Infrastructure Fund pilot scheme will provide around £4million of
funding for community and voluntary organisations to enable them
to keep the premises they use fit for purpose, supporting
organisations to remain sustainable. The fund will launch in
autumn 2025.
Speaking during a visit to the Open Door Centre in Carrickfergus,
which is used as a community outreach base for Carrickfergus
Community Church, the Minister said: “Community buildings
are the backbone of our society. They host vital services, foster
connection and provide safe, welcoming spaces for people of all
ages. These spaces are vital assets – the
beating heart of our cities, towns and villages – where
communities gather, grow and support one another.
“Since taking office I have visited various community
organisations across Northern Ireland and have witnessed how many
of our halls and centres are ageing, inefficient and in urgent
need of repair or modernisation.
That is why I have taken the decision to create this
fund, which is not only an investment in infrastructure, but an
investment in people, in places, and in potential.”
The fund will be open to church halls, village halls, Orange
halls, sports clubs and other community buildings which provide a
wide range of community activities. It will allow voluntary and
community groups across Northern Ireland to carry out essential
works such as repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, disability
access improvements and other minor capital works. Eligible
projects may include repairs, heating upgrades, disability access
improvements, and internal refurbishments.
The Minister concluded: “I want this fund to be a
catalyst, not just for refurbishment, but for regeneration. Our
community buildings have a profound impact on the people of
Northern Ireland, and this fund will ensure that we can sustain
these vital spaces and support our communities to have a place to
connect, participate and grow.”
The Minister made the announcement in a Written Statement to the
Assembly.
The full Written Statement can be read here: www.communities-ni.gov.uk/news/written-statement-minister-lyons-northern-ireland-assembly-announcement-northern-ireland-community-infrastructure-fund
The programme will launch with an expression of interest in
autumn 2025. Further details on the application process and
criteria will be available in due course.
