The Government has said 10 projects in Northern Ireland will share £71million of levelling-up funding.
The funding will include almost £10million to create new waterfront gardens in the city of Bangor, transforming the former Maghera High School into a new industrial park at a cost of £9million and £20 million to create a new leisure and wellbeing centre in Enniskillen.
The grants also include a £5.1million boost for 20 local rugby clubs, including new female changing rooms to help increase women's participation in sport across Northern Ireland. There is also £4million pledged to rescue East Belfast's art-deco Strand Picturehouse.
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Rishi Sunak said the investment in historically overlooked areas would create jobs and economic growth. The prime Minister said: "Through greater investment in local areas, we can grow the economy, create good jobs and spread opportunity everywhere.
"That's why we are backing a number of projects with new transformational funding to level up local communities in Northern Ireland.
"By reaching even more parts of the country than before, we will build a future of optimism and pride in people's lives and the places they call home."
The levelling up vision was previously pioneered by former prime minister Boris Johnson, who promised to "level up" towns and communities across the UK.
Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said: "From regeneration in Maghera to a brand new wellbeing centre in Enniskillen, the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund continues to deliver across Northern Ireland.
"This latest round of the fund will see £71 million invested in local infrastructure projects to support economic growth, drive regeneration, help deliver net zero and boost pride in place.
"Building on the £49million already invested from round one of the Levelling Up Fund, this is a fantastic outcome for communities here."
Projects in Northern Ireland awarded Levelling Up Fund grants are:
- £5.1million to modernise 20 rugby clubs from Coleraine to Clogher Valley and Limavady to Lisburn, including new female changing rooms.
- Belfast International Airport will receive £2.3million to purchase electric buses and deliver new sustainable fuel sources.
- The city of Bangor will undergo a £9.8 million transformation to create new waterfront gardens with spaces for events and activities.
- A leisure and wellbeing centre will be created in Enniskillen with £20million as part of a new development called 'Lakeland', which will provide a wide range of indoor and outdoor leisure and recreation facilities.
- More than £6million to re-invigorate the 191-acre Carnfunnock Country Park with an upgraded visitor centre and sporting facilities.
- A new leisure and recreation centre at Camlough Lake will be built with £2.8million, along with improved parking facilities and picnic areas.
- The development of a new leisure centre in Ballycastle with £8.1million to support health and wellbeing across the borough.
- A £9million grant will create new green space and recreational facilities in Maghera, including transforming the former Maghera High School into a new industrial park.
- Belfast's art-deco Strand Picturehouse will receive £4million to fund urgent works.
- £3.5 million to support the expansion and upgrade of the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio in Banbridge.
The Government has also confirmed there will be a further round of the Levelling Up Fund.
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