Ards and North Down Councillor Joe Boyle has welcomed the commencement of the £350k partnership refurbishment programme of the Ards and North Down Borough Council-owned Market House facility located in the centre of Portaferry.
Councillor Boyle who welcomed the improvements said: “I am delighted that this project is now underway and expected to be completed by early July for all the all important uses within the community during the summer months.
![](http://www.downnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/unnamed-3-1.jpg)
“This has been a lengthy process over a prolonged period of time. I have been involved in numerous conversations with Council officials and representatives from Portaferry Regeneration Ltd ( PRL ) in how to best progress this overall scheme to the satisfaction of everyone along with the criteria surrounding the requirements for funding.
“This project will undoubtedly create a new freshness within the centre of Portaferry in what is a very architecturally historic building, synonymous with the centre of Portaferry itself.
“The refurbishment programme will clearly modernise the facility, both externally and internally for a greater use from a greater number of groups and organisations and act as a major catalyst with contributing to the overall economic development of the area that will filter throughout the entire Ards Peninsula and to the sustainability of a wider Ards and North Down Borough Council.”
Councillor Boyle added: “I would place on record my thanks to the Council Officers who have put a lot of time and effort into bringing this project to fruition. I would also commend Portaferry Regeneration Ltd for their efforts, commitment and co-operation to this project. It has been a fine example of partnership working whereby a win-win situation will be the outcome for everyone.”