This major project will involve the transformation of a former school building into a visitor centre. The centre, which will serve as a shared community building with an open general area, will offer a large multi-use space, complete with retractable seating for approximately 150 people, two multi-purpose rooms, a coffee dock area, toilets, changing facilities and kitchen.
The highly anticipated Public Realm Scheme in the village will get underway as part of the works and it will feature a new streetscape, street furniture, improved lighting with safe walking links created to the new shared facilities.
As part of the public realm works, improvements will be made to the Queen Elizabeth II Primary School, including new raised decking; and a new multi-use games area at the Presbyterian Church, including car parking, drainage, landscaping and fencing.
These works will be enhanced further with the creation of educational and magical trails through Pomeroy Forest, due to commence later this year.
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This phase of the project is supported by the European Union's PEACE IV Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Welcoming the beginning of construction, Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said: "Unfortunately, communities throughout our region remain segregated with divisions occurring both physically and psychologically.
"The shared spaces theme in PEACE IV, which includes this Connecting Pomeroy project, provides an opportunity to bring communities together through common interests, such as sport, education and nature.
"I am delighted to see this project taking such a significant step as work commences on the new visitor centre. The EU PEACE IV Programme has a key objective of providing a range of spaces, services and programmes which will bring groups and individuals together allowing new relationships to be built now and into the future. I look forward to seeing this new facility completed, and I would like to congratulate the Connecting Pomeroy team for such hard work and dedication through the last few difficult years, in bringing us to this important stage in the project."
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Córa Corry commented: "This project has involved many hours of careful planning and preparation and it is wonderful to see the construction teams now on the ground.
"Once completed the Connecting Pomeroy project will enhance this scenic village and it will make a hugely positive impact on the community and create shared spaces for our young and future generations.
"These are exciting times for the people of Pomeroy, and I look forward to seeing the various elements of this project become a reality in the months ahead."
This latest investment in the village follows on from the recent completion of £197K works to the courtyard area and car park at Pomeroy Forest.
