MLA Margaret Ritchie pledges support to Kilbroney Centre
MLA for South Down and Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, has offered her support for plans for a new community hall and extension of The Kilbroney Centre, Rostrevor.
At an Open Coffee Hour attended by local residents, steering group members and local councillors, Ms Ritchie said, "You have my support in developing the centre because you're doing it across the community, you're doing it within the Christian ethos and I would be very happy to assist you."
The meeting was chaired by Jarlath Quinn, Chairman of the steering committee responsible for developing the project and he expressed his hope that the community would give its full support and backing.
Mr Quinn continued, "The Kilbroney Centre has had an excellent reputation for 30 years as a provider of programmes and accomodation for young people. As a committee we seek to build on the exisiting core values of the centre, and in particular we will be promoting the value of diversity, promoting the Christian values that have been core to the centre throughout and we will also be seeking to develop in a way that we're environmentally friendly. We will also be focusing on conservation and we'll continue to build on the excellent relationship with regard to reconciliation in the area. In all this work, it's proposed that this exciting faith-based venture will encourage understanding of diversity and respect for difference."
Mr Quinn finished by publicly acknowledging the pivotal role of Kilbroney Church of Ireland and thanked them for making available these significant assets for the good of the whole community.
The Kilbroney Centre is set in 12 acres of beautiful forested land, with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains. The planned development, initially facilitated by CREED Ireland, will compliment the exisiting dormitory accomodation, providing a wider, more flexible choice of facilities attractive to a bigger customer base. It will also enhance the site and maximise its potential.
Architect Chris Stevenson from Tate Stevenson presented the plans which propose a new residential block, community activity hall, refurbishment of the vicarage and the creation of a new reception area. This would provide an extra 40 bed spaces, taking the overall capacity of the centre to 92 bed spaces.
The new activity hall will be shared by the centre and the local community and would be suitable for sports and indoor activities, drama and community meetings or conferences. Under current plans it will hold 160 -180 people.
A new residential block will provide 20 en suite twin rooms, some of which will have disabled access and some that may be easily linked together into family rooms. Upon the retirement of the current vicar of Kilbroney Parish, Revd Sam Jones, the vicarage will be refurbished to accomodate a warden and provide an apartment for a family or smaller group. The adjacent Rowan building will be renovated to include 8 ensuite bed spaces.
The centre is presently looked after by the Revd Jones and his wife Kate and Alliance Youth Works are contracted to run the environmental education and part-manage the centre. By the end of 2010 it is anticipated that a new company will manage the centre and, upon the retirement of the vicar, a warden will take over the day to day running of the facilities.
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