The forthcoming Big Lottery funding programme for capital projects in Northern Ireland will now not be available until at least 2013, according to NICVA.

The Space and Place programme was established following consultation in 2009/2010 which highlighted demand for the Big Lottery Fund to support the integration of communities, across both political and social class divides, in Northern Ireland.

There was demand for providing new spaces and places and using existing ones better, particularly those that are currently underused or difficult for a variety of reasons. The consultation supported the idea of providing spaces to play, to meet others, build relationships and enhance participation.

The programme is viewed as one of the few community capital funding programmes available. For more information on funding from the Big Lottery Fund, visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.