Sandy Row Unveils Exciting New Arts & Digital Hub for Community

Sandy Row in South Belfast is buzzing with excitement following the official opening of its fantastic new £1.5 million Arts & Digital Hub. This state-of-the-art facility, launched with enthusiasm by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, is set to become a vibrant community cornerstone. Operated by Belfast South Community Resources (BSCR) and featuring a dynamic arts programme managed by Flax Art Studios, it marks a significant investment in the area's future.

Inside, the ground floor hosts a dedicated art studio, which will be home to Northern Ireland’s first-ever community-based artist-in-residence. This exciting initiative will bring engaging arts projects and classes directly to local schools, individuals, and community groups, fostering creativity for all ages.

Upstairs, a modern digital training suite on the first floor is ready to equip residents with essential IT skills. It will offer a range of training courses, exams, testing facilities, and crucial support for anyone needing help with online services. Meanwhile, the top floor provides a dedicated new home for the artist-in-residence, embedding artistic talent right in the heart of the community.

This incredible project has transformed a previously derelict building into a bright, modern space, thanks to joint funding from The Executive Office’s Urban Villages Initiative. The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, expressed her delight at the opening, highlighting that the hub will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the community and attract visitors from further afield. She noted that extensive work with the local community has led to this and other projects, which are hoped to kickstart further regeneration after some challenging years.

This hub is part of a wider positive transformation for Sandy Row. Recently, a £250,000 Revitalisation Scheme, funded by the Department for Communities, provided vital small grants to local businesses affected by city centre road closures. Optimism is high that the area is now on the path to recovery, with increased footfall expected. Adding to the good news, work has also begun on 'Coffee Culture,' a £1.2 million initiative that will turn another vacant building into a new café and barista training centre. This project, supported by Urban Villages and the Department for Communities, promises new job opportunities and a skilled workforce for Belfast's hospitality sector.

Looking ahead, other exciting regeneration projects are in the pipeline. The Sandy Row Open Space Project, developed in close partnership, will see Blythefield Park reopened to the public later this year, offering much-needed green space, new pathways, and even a dog park. Additionally, plans are in motion to enhance the play park at Bentham Drive with new sensory equipment, ensuring it is accessible and welcoming for everyone in the community and beyond.

Nikki Johnston from Belfast South Community Resources enthusiastically described the new hub as a significant leap forward for Sandy Row. She highlighted that it represents a substantial investment in local people, successfully transforming a vacant site into a vibrant centre for creativity, digital learning, and countless opportunities. Through partnerships with Flax Art Studios and the growth of their community-run Examination and Digital Centre, the Hub is poised to boost qualifications, skills, and confidence, ensuring that Sandy Row thrives alongside Belfast's broader innovation and digital ambitions.