Ardoyne's Future Shines: Work Begins on Major New Youth Hub

A wave of excitement is sweeping through North Belfast as work has officially commenced on a brand new, purpose-built youth and community hub for the Greater Ardoyne area. On March 30, 2026, the first sod was cut on the £3.4 million project, marking a significant step towards creating a vibrant, shared space for young people.

The new hub is being developed on the site of the former Ardoyne shops on Crumlin Road and promises to be a game-changer for local youth. Operated by Ardoyne Youth Enterprise (AYE), the facility will boast a creative learning centre, state-of-the-art digital learning studios, office space, and meeting rooms. Crucially, it will also provide a much-needed welcoming space for young people from Ardoyne, Marrowbone, Woodvale, and Oldpark areas to meet, learn, and spend time together. The project is due for completion by March 2027.

Local leaders and community figures have expressed immense enthusiasm for the project. Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, shared her delight, stating, "It’s wonderful to see work beginning on this shared community resource, which will make such a difference to the lives of young people in north Belfast, from all communities." She added that having a dedicated venue will enable Ardoyne Youth Enterprise to deliver even more targeted services, improving outcomes for younger residents.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill highlighted the incredible vision and determination of Ardoyne Youth Enterprise. "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," she said.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly echoed this sentiment, noting the transformation of a derelict site into a place of learning and opportunity. "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," she commented.

Thomas Turley, Director with Ardoyne Youth Enterprise, spoke of the organisation's excitement. "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," he explained. The accessible hub will offer creative and digital learning, training, youth development, and counselling services, alongside providing a welcoming space for community engagement. "The board, staff and members of Ardoyne Youth Enterprise, past and present, have worked extremely hard to turn an idea into a reality, and it is very rewarding to see work now beginning on site. This new resource will serve the communities of north Belfast and will help shape and transform young people's lives for many years," Turley concluded.

Funding for this vital initiative comes from a collaborative effort, including The Executive Office’s Urban Villages initiative, the Department for Communities, the Clothworkers’ Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation, and .