A £9 million extension to the Urban Villages Capital Plan has been announced by the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

The funding will support the development of four new capital projects: The School of Music, Westland Community Centre and Market Arches in Belfast, and The Realm Project in L'Derry.

"The £9m investment is an exciting expansion to the Urban Villages Capital Plan and will provide local communities with much-needed physical regeneration and play a key role in promoting good relations," said First Minister Michelle O'Neill.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: "This extension represents a major investment in the Urban Villages Initiative. The four new capital projects will be a significant addition to the 71 projects being delivered across the five areas." The Ministers made the announcement during a series of visits in the north west, including the North West Disability Centre, an Urban Villages project run by Destined, and the Ebrington site.

"During our visit to the North West Disability Centre we visited 'Framed to Perfection' one of the social enterprises run by Destined which provides work for people with learning disabilities," said First Minister O'Neill. "It was a privilege to meet those working there and hear at first-hand how they are benefitting most from the services provided."

Deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly added: "Ebrington is now an impressive site with so much to offer. With a number of major events planned for this year, including the All-Ireland Pipe Bands Championships in July, it is clear Ebrington has become a vibrant, inclusive site which will bring a range of benefits to the local community."

The Urban Villages Capital Plan, now totalling more than £124 million, aims to regenerate communities and promote good relations through investment in social and physical infrastructure.