An information session was held recently to update members on the re-development of Ulidia Playing Fields. For those who couldn’t make it, Danny Treacy, Rosario’s Vice Chairperson, explained what has been going on behind the scenes.

In the short term, a bid to obtain a 25-year lease from Belfast City Council is currently going through the cogs of City Hall and it is hoped there will be a decision soon. The lease would give the club more control over the ground and ensure all our teams have access to the facilities.

Once the lease is agreed, the club will move onto phase 3 of the development. These plans will, hopefully, involve a 200 seat stand as well as additional parking. We also intend to install additional female changing facilities between the grass and 3G pitches and include a ‘trim-track’ which can be used by the whole community.

These improvements, while time-consuming and disruptive in the short-term, are essential if we are to be granted Amateur League Status.

In the future, the move of Scoil an Droichid to the site of the old Education Authority’s Ulidia Resource Building and plans to extend and improve the Sólás building will result in increased use of the facilities and the club are already working with both organisations to see how the space can benefit all.