TENANTS are being sought for a new £7 million west Belfast community hub at the former St Comgall's primary school.
Work is set to begin at the site on Divis Street, with the building due for completion in 2020. Prospective tenants are being encouraged to apply, with applications from established or fledgling businesses welcome, as well as from social enterprise groups interested in running the café.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Deirdre Hargey said:
"St Comgall’s is a beautiful building, Grade B1 listed, and this restoration will bring it back to its former glory for new generations to enjoy.
“When it is complete, this will be a fantastic resource for the local community and I’m certain it’s going to attract a lot of interest from prospective tenants. I would encourage any groups or businesses who are interested in becoming tenants to get in touch.”
The expressions of interest is open for six weeks, until October 31, and all the details can be found at: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stcomgalls
Belfast City Council’s £3.5m investment is being matched by funding from the Social Investment Fund under the Delivering Social Change framework.
Plans for the building include a multi-purpose function/conference hall, opening out onto a restored central courtyard with a glass pyramid roof, as well as an exhibition space, permanent visitor attraction, office accommodation and a café and information point.
Gerry McConville from Falls Community Council added: “This is a really exciting development for the whole of Belfast, but in particular, west Belfast. Falls Community Council has been working with the local community for over a decade to see this restoration happen so it will provide a good social and economic boost to the area to see the building redeveloped and back in use.
“As a school, St Comgall’s was an important part of the lives of so many people and we look forward to it being an important part in the lives of many more for generations to come."
