Tullymore Community Centre History
How It All Began
Following extensive consultations, workshops and public meetings, the forum identified a clear set of objectives for its strategic plan — laying the foundation for what would become one of West Belfast's most important community facilities.
Our Founding Objectives
To secure the future of community-led development in the Upper Andersonstown area through the provision of a sustainable new-build facility promoting the social, economic and cultural regeneration of the area.
To provide a facility which can accommodate accessible educational, training and personal development programmes for local women, young people and long-term unemployed which will enhance their ability to secure meaningful employment.
To provide a facility enabling local people of all ages to expand and develop their creative talents through the mediums of art, culture and drama.
To promote social inclusion by developing the capacity of local people to participate in the strategic regeneration of their area through capacity building and community development training.
To provide childcare facilities enabling all residents to avail of training, educational programmes and personal development opportunities.
To provide health and activity programmes for the elderly within a safe, attractive and accessible facility.
To provide facilities and programmes which enhance the personal skills and educational attainment of children and young people.
To provide support initiatives for parents, families and children.
To provide a community support facility that is fully accessible and acceptable to all.
To create local employment opportunities and improve service delivery through the community-led revitalisation of a centrally located derelict site.
A Timeline of Growth
The Beginning
Upper Andersonstown Community Forum emerged as a network of local community groups responding to social deprivation in the Upper Andersonstown area.
Strategic Plan
Following extensive consultations, workshops and public meetings, the Forum developed its first major strategic plan — transitioning from a campaigning organisation to a service delivery organisation.
Finding a Home
The Forum was working from the old Tullymore Centre in Tullymore Gardens. With funding secured from the National Lottery and Belfast Regeneration Office, a core team was assembled to implement the Development Strategy.
First Renovation
NIVT funded the renovation of the old building, enabling the Forum to begin delivering services including an Afterschool Club, Youth Club, Summer Scheme, and Community Work Programme. The first Community Directory for the area was also produced.
Summer Scheme
The first Forum Summer Scheme took place, catering for 200 local children. Forty volunteers from the local community were recruited to support the programme.
Building for the Future
The campaign for a new build gained momentum with the adoption of a development plan incorporating architectural drawings. Community Technical Aid worked with the Forum on an Economic and Financial Appraisal for the development of the Tullymore Complex.
Tullymore Community Centre Opens
Funded by the International Fund for Ireland, Belfast Regeneration Board, and the Belfast European Partnership Board, Tullymore Community Centre officially opened — a landmark moment for the entire community.
A Thriving Community Hub
The Forum has rapidly developed from an ad hoc network of local groups into a significant local service provider with a purpose-built community centre, delivering a wide range of programmes for residents of all ages.
Early Services Delivered
The renovation of the old centre, funded by NIVT, allowed the Forum to begin delivering vital services to the community. The Afterschool Club initially worked closely with the local Irish Language Bunscoil to provide a programme for 4–11 year olds.
Afterschool Club
Youth Club
Community Work Programme
Summer Scheme
Community Directory
In 1996, all groups within the area, under the guidance of the Forum, produced the first Community Directory for the area. The Directory also gave notice of the intention to campaign for a new-build community facility on the Tullymore site. It was an essential tool in marketing and promoting the Forum's work to funders and stakeholders.
Contributing Groups
- check_circleUpper Andersonstown Housing Group
- check_circleArts and Culture Group
- check_circleFestival Group
- check_circleWomen's Network
- check_circleYouth Network
- check_circleEnvironmental Group
- check_circleDevelopment Group
- check_circleWelfare Advice Group
- check_circleUACF Afterschool Project
- check_circleCrèche Project
- check_circleTraining Project
- check_circleVolunteer Project
- check_circleBarnardos
- check_circleBytes Project
A New Era for the Community
In March 2001, Tullymore Community Centre officially opened, funded by the International Fund for Ireland, Belfast Regeneration Board, and the Belfast European Partnership Board.
The new community centre was a significant environmental improvement to the area's image, eliminating dereliction, danger and antisocial behaviour from the Tullymore site.
The new build represented the successful implementation of the forum's first development strategy and the transition from a campaigning organisation to a service delivery organisation.
The forum adopted the Comprehensive Community Building Framework Approach — a neighbourhood-focused strategy that harnesses the interrelationships between social, environmental, and economic development to address key problems facing the estate.
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The Tullymore Community Centre continues to grow. Come and see what we have to offer for you and your family.