Work began today (19 October) on the £900,000 refurbishment of the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre at Oxford Island in Northern Ireland.

The refurbishment represents the first big investment in the site in a decade and will both improve visitor facilities and provide more accommodation for centre staff.

The exterior of the centre will remain much the same but the interior will contain a new multi-function area which can be converted into a 220-capacity conference room.

There will also be a new library and a split-level restaurant which will be refitted with a mezanine upper floor accessed by a spiral staircase and boasting a raised view over the lough. The shop, toilet and reception areas will also be refitted.

The project is being funded predominantly by Craigavon council, although the Lough Neagh Partnership is also contributing a grant of around £190,000 to the total cost.

Stephen Fraser, leisure development manager for the centre, said: "The council are keen that we build on the good work that has already been done by the staff at the centre. We also want to provide quality facilities for the general public while ensuring that the important synergy of work, arts, sport and conservation at the centre continues."

Work is due to be finished by March 2005 and the site will reopen to the public by the beginning of April.