About Us

Loughgiel Community Association was formed in 1988, initially operating from a community owned building and other venues. Its main purpose was to assist in the social, environmental, educational and economic development of Loughgiel. It achieved this through organising activities for older people, an after schools club, a youth club and computer suite, however these activities were spread out through the area. The lack of a central venue was identified as an urgent need in the area, through a Community Audit in 1996. This Audit lead to the development of the Millennium Centre in 2000. This project was managed very successfully from start to finish by Loughgiel Community Association and was completed using the principles of PRINCE2 methodology, which required excellent project management and financial management skills. The centre cost one million pounds, of which the Association fundraised £50,000 through a ‘Buy a Brick' campaign. Not only did this fundraising event successfully succeed in raising the required monies, it also ensured local ownership of the centre, as the local community bought into the building. Over 40 volunteers were recruited and managed to undertake the fundraising campaign. The build was completed on time and within the allocated budget, building the capacity of the group further.