Work has begun on a £3.4 million project to create a shared youth centre on the site of the former Ardoyne shops on Crumlin Road.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly cut the first sod at a new youth hub in the interface area.
The scheme will be delivered by Belfast City Council, with funding from the Executive Office, the Department for Communities, the Clothworkers’ Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the council.
Operated by Ardoyne Youth Enterprise, the facility will include a creative learning centre with digital learning studios, office space and meeting rooms, as well as a space for young people from the Ardoyne, Marrowbone, Woodvale and Oldpark areas to meet and spend time together.
Work is due to be completed by March 2027.
Ms O’Neill said: “I’m really pleased to see work under way on this new youth hub. Ardoyne Youth Enterprise has shown incredible vision and determination.
“For years this site sat empty, but they saw the potential to create a space where young people can learn, connect and get the support they need.
“With over £2 million from the Executive Office, this will be a fantastic resource for young people and families across north Belfast.”
Ms Little-Pengelly said: “It is great to see work under way on this fantastic new youth hub.
“This facility will see the transformation of a derelict site into a place of learning and opportunity for so many young people.
“I am delighted that the Executive Office has been able to support such an important project through the Urban Villages Initiative, and I have no doubt it will have a positive impact in the north Belfast area.”
Lord Mayor of Belfast Tracy Kelly said the centre would “make a difference to the lives of young people in north Belfast, from all communities”.
Thomas Turley, director with Ardoyne Youth Enterprise, said: “Ardoyne Youth Enterprise is delighted to see this new phase in the development of its capital project – a youth and community hub that will support the needs of the north Belfast community and help build local capacity.
“Our accessible hub will support creative and digital learning, training, youth development and counselling services. It will also provide a welcoming space for groups across north Belfast to use for community engagement and youth development activities.”
The area has been a flashpoint for parading tensions which have led to violent confrontations in previous years.
