The Belfry multi purpose community facility is situated in the heart of Newcastle. The building which is a former church, has been developed by a cross community group Newcastle Community Association, and now houses an indoor skateboard park (Skate 56), meeting and office space for hire plus an IT suite.

Home to ‘Skate 56’ the first purpose built indoor skate park established in Northern Ireland, the Belfry was re-opened in August 2007.

There are three rooms within the venue:

1. A meeting room with kitchen facilities;
2. A fully sound-proofed upstairs multi-purpose room complete with IT suite, a central floor area and kitchen facilities; and
3. A small office, all available for hire.

Please refer to our Room Hire section for more information.

The building was developed following a number of sectarian attacks on local churches in the town. These attacks led to a series of public meetings at which local residents suggested that many of the problems in the town were due to a lack of community facilities.

During ongoing discussions a group of young people asked about the provision of an indoor skateboard park and the idea for Skate 56 was born. It provides recreation to those interested in the sport and also helps promote a healthy lifestyle in an indoor environment, which can be a necessity on rainy days in Newcastle!!

We engage with other Urban Sports enthusiasts and encourage all members of the community to get involved with what we do and the facilities we have to offer.  We promote Community Relations and encourage groups to use the venue for Community Relations work.

The former church has been adapted and restored to compliment the need for urban sport activity and meeting rooms and we are proud to give a renewed use for this venue.

If you have any questions about The Belfry, wish to hire one of our rooms or get involved in Urban Sport, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.