Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has welcomed the official reopening of Grove Activity Centre, now leased and operated by Live Life Wellbeing, marking a major milestone in the Council’s Community Asset Transfer programme.
The centre was officially reopened by the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Amanda Grehan.
The reopening follows the transfer of the Grove Activity Centre building to Live Life Wellbeing under the Council’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) policy, which enabled the facility to continue playing a significant role in local community life, with a renewed focus and purpose.
Live Life Wellbeing launched in 2021 and provides a specialised young adult‑focused service for people aged 19–35 with additional needs across the Greater Lisburn area. Following a programme of refurbishment, the organisation has been progressing plans to operate from the Grove Activity Centre, alongside its services delivered from Sarah Crothers Hall.
As part of the CAT arrangement, Live Life Wellbeing has responsibility for the building and car park, as well as the 3G pitch, while the Council continues to maintain the outdoor playground area.
Speaking at the reopening, Mayor Alderman Amanda Grehan said: “Today is a fantastic moment for our community. Grove Activity Centre is a valued local facility and I’m delighted to officially reopen it under this new lease and operating arrangement with Live Life Wellbeing. This partnership demonstrates how a Community Asset Transfer can protect and enhance a community asset, ensuring it remains active, welcoming and meaningful for local people.”
Councillor Claire Kemp, Regeneration and Growth Chair, said: “This reopening is a strong example of community‑led regeneration in action. Community Asset Transfer can unlock long‑term social value by enabling organisations with a proven track record to invest in and grow services from local facilities. It’s encouraging to see Grove enter this next chapter as an asset that will deliver real and lasting benefit for the area.”
Councillor Tim Mitchell, Communities and Wellbeing Chair, said: “Facilities like Grove play an important role in strengthening social connection and supporting wellbeing. I’m pleased to see the centre reopen with a renewed community purpose, led by an organisation recognised at the highest level for volunteering. Through our Community Investment Fund, the Council has been proud to support Live Life Wellbeing in delivering enhancements as part of the redevelopment—helping to create an inclusive, welcoming space that will make a positive difference for individuals, families and our wider community.”
A representative from Live Life Wellbeing said: “We are proud to take on the lease and operation of Grove Activity Centre and grateful for the Council’s support. This will allow us to provide much‑needed support for young people with additional needs on a local basis, while working collaboratively with the wider community and sharing this valuable resource with other organisations across the Greater Lisburn area.”