Dunluce Centre is up for sale

During a recent Leisure and Development Committee meeting, members went into committee to discuss the approval of a Development Brief and the possibility of putting the former entertaiment centre up for sale.

Closed in 2013 due to falling visitor numbers, we reported last November how the Portrush Centre was costing the ratepayer over £42,000 a year despite it being closed.

Council has received three expressions of interest in the site including Mill Strand Primary School and a cinema business.

A report before full Council meeting on Tuesday said: “The purpose [of this report] is to present and seek members approval of the draft Development Brief for the Dunluce Centre, Portrush.

“The Dunluce Centre was built in 1993, with the aim of offering wet-weather facilities and enhancing Portrush’s tourist offering.

“Subject to members approval of the principles articulated in the draft Development Brief, the valuation of the outright sale and annual rental options needs to be updated.

‘In addition, the documents must be subject to legal clearance before issue to the market.”

The document called on members to approve the draft Development Brief to allow Council to approve putting the property on the market.

Director of Leisure and Development Services, Richard Baker, responded to members questions relating to the rationale for producing a draft Development Brief, the purchase or lease of adjacent land and Council’s control over any development on the site.

It was proposed by Cllr Boyd Douglas, seconded by Cllr James McCorkell, to recommend approval of both the draft Development Brief and the property being sold.

Committee chairperson councillor McKillop put the motion to vote with 13 voting for, none against and one abstention.