UTV Projects

UTV broadcasts to people across Northern Ireland and holds the record for the highest number of votes cast for one project.

Over the past five years of the People’s Millions competition we have seen some great projects in Northern Ireland. Previous winners include river trails, play parks, a project to provide horticultural training, community gardens and many more.

Reviving outdoor space for everyone in our community

This project is to rejuvenate the outside area of a dilapidated community centre that is going to be modernised by the community of Dunsford, in Ardglass Co. Down. The outside of the building is very overgrown and it is planned that the community will get involved clearing this so that it can be used as a recreational space with a playground, a barbecue area and a story area for all the community to make use of. Dunsford Cross Community Resource Centre will be housed in The Old School and an Indenture has been provided between Dunsford and Ardglass Parish and the Centre. The organisation currently has an application with BIG's Improving Community Buildings programme for £50,000 towards the cost of renovating and modernising the building itself to bring it back to full community use.

Community Garden Project

This project is to build a community garden project that will provide the equipment for a toddlers play area, a junior and teens play area and a sitting area for parents and older residents which will rejuvenate a derelict playground in the centre of the Bond Street area of Derry/Londonderry. The playground is owned by Derry City Council with the organisation indicating they currently have a lease and a letter of permission from the council to carry out the work. Refurbishment of the park will not only increase its usage but will serve as motivation to the local people to continue to improve their environment and take ownership of the area. The total project cost is £95,475, with £80,000 requested under this programme. The project will benefit 750 people. The project meets well the aims, themes and priorities of the People's Millions Competition.

Carrosyl multi sports arena

A one year grant of £80,000 will improve the design, appearance and accessibility of local amenities by creating a new multi sports arena which will provide sporting facilities primarily for 120 local children and young people but will be open for use by the whole community, 720, in the rural town of Lisnaskea.

The Playtrail Green Fingers Project

The Playtrail Green Fingers project will create a horticultural training and education garden within the already existing Playtrail Park. The park is based in the Racecourse Road campus of Foyle View and Belmont House schools and is open to all local children including pupils at both schools with moderate and severe learning disabilities. The Playtrail Green Fingers project has a total cost £98,681 with £93,681 being sought under this programme. The playtrail will have 807 anticipated beneficiaries. The project meets the People's Millions Competition aims and priorities well. The Playtrail Park has been developed by Liberty Consortium, which is a unique partnership of local schools and organisations, with support from a range of organisations including the Big Lottery Fund (three separate grants to the value of £375,841 have been awarded to this existing Playtrail Park project but with only one of the previous grants going via Liberty Consortium) and the Western Education and Library Board.

Killough 'Rope Walk' Activity Trail

The project is to develop/improve the Killough Rope Walk, a popular walk in the village of Killough near Downpatrick. The aim of the project is to increase opportunities for exercise and access to the environment for all local people and visitors. The total project cost is £80,000 + VAT . The project will have 1,000 beneficiaries and it should meet the aims, themes and priorities of the People's Millions competition well.