After a £250,000 refurbishment and  38 years of being at the heart of the local community, Monkstown Community Centre has been officially re-launched!

With over 350 users per week, the community centre in Monkstown which at the time of construction had been given a lifespan of 10-20 years, has become one of the most vibrant and innovative within the Borough. Anchor tenants include Good Morning Newtownabbey, Sure Start and the Monkstown/Whiteabbey Building Bridges Partnership. Due to this success and the deteriorating condition of the previous centre, Newtownabbey Borough Council made a decision in 2011 to invest in a series of refurbishment works which has totally transformed both the interior and exterior of the building including the addition of an extra 55 square metres of accommodation.

The community centre which was officially re-opened by the Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Joan Christie O.B.E and former Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb was renamed ‘Monkstown Jubilee Centre’ in honour of the Diamond Jubilee.

Speaking at the official re-opening, Joan Christie O.B.E commented:

 “I would like to wish Monkstown Community Association every success with their new centre and congratulate them on all the hard work that they have put into this estate over many years.”

Councillor Billy Webb added:

 “I would like to thank David McCrea, Ann Judson and the Management Committee members of Monkstown Community Association, who have worked in partnership with the Council to redevelop the centre into what we have today. Their dedication and commitment over the years not only in managing the centre but also to the residents of Monkstown has finally paid off and I wish you every success for the future in your new building.”