The new Canal Boxing Academy facility was opened by the Mayor, Alderman Amanda Grehan on 18th May. Having outgrown its current location in size, facilities and function, the new building and location will offer the community a fit for purpose space with state of the art equipment, a gym and kitchen.
The new facility was funded by PEACEPLUS and the council’s Community Investment Fund (CIF). This is a project supported by PEACEPLUS; a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The building has been welcomed by Canal Boxing Academy, local sporting groups, schools and local community groups who will be able to use its facilities. It will provide not only two full size boxing rings but a well equipped gym, changing rooms, showers, toilets and storage space.
The Mayor, Alderman Amanda Grehan congratulated the Club saying “I am delighted to see all the hard work and effort spent on this investment become a reality. This is a much needed facility which will provide an inclusive, accessible and fit for purpose space for the whole community. More of our residents can look forward to using these fantastic training and gym facilities on their doorstep.”
Councillor Tim Mitchell, Chair of Communities and Wellbeing commented “It’s great to see Canal Boxing Club moving into their new home. It will now be able to accommodate more clubs, groups and individuals – bringing more communities together to train, compete and get active. It will have such a positive impact for the residents and area.”
Speaking at the event, Councillor Uel Mackin, Chair of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PEACEPLUS Partnership praised all those involved in developing the new facility and commented: “this is a great asset for the area. Schools, community groups, sport clubs and local residents will all benefit from a bigger and better recreational facility and from a wide range of activities, as well as boxing.”
Jim Russell, Club Secretary at Canal Boxing Academy, explained, "We have been in our current premises for 17 years and they're beyond repair. We will be moving into a state of the art facility which is outstanding. We will go from strength to strength in our new purpose built club. We will be able to increase our membership and our new changing facilities will help women and girls to join our club.
"We are grateful to PEACEPLUS and Lisburn and Castlereagh City council for funding the new building and look forward to moving in and welcoming the community to check out the facilities".
For more information email Canal Boxing Academy on canalboxing@outlook.com.