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Construction has officially started on a transformative £3.4 million shared youth centre at the site of the former Ardoyne shops on Crumlin Road. This new facility will provide a safe, creative space for young people from across North Belfast to connect and learn.
2026/03/29
Exciting times are ahead for North Belfast as work officially begins on a brand-new £3.4 million shared youth centre at the site of the former Ardoyne shops on Crumlin Road. First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly recently visited the interface area to cut the first sod, marking a major milestone for our local community.
Delivered by Belfast City Council, this ambitious project is made possible through funding from the Executive Office, the Department for Communities, the Clothworkers’ Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation, and the council. The facility will be operated by Ardoyne Youth Enterprise (AYE) and is scheduled for completion by March 2027.
The new hub is set to become a vibrant space for young people from Ardoyne, Marrowbone, Woodvale, and Oldpark to connect and grow. It will feature a creative learning centre equipped with digital learning studios, alongside office spaces and meeting rooms. Beyond just a building, it will serve as a dedicated space for youth to spend time together and access essential support services.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill expressed her delight at seeing the project move forward, praising Ardoyne Youth Enterprise for their vision in transforming a long-empty site into a resource that will benefit families across North Belfast. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added that the hub will turn a derelict area into a place of opportunity, noting the positive impact it will have on the local area through the Urban Villages Initiative.
Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly noted the positive impact the centre will have on young people from all local communities. Thomas Turley, Director of Ardoyne Youth Enterprise, highlighted that the hub will offer everything from digital training to counseling services, providing a welcoming environment for community engagement and youth development. This project marks a significant investment in the future of our young people and the continued growth of our community.