Images of spectacular new leisure centre revealed

The centre which is planned for the current site of the Watersports Centre at Craigavon Lakes, is expected to be the second largest in Northern Ireland.

And with a sports hall the size of the entire current leisure centre at Brownlow plus a 50 feet swimming pool with floating floor, it promises to be a spectacular addition to the Craigavon landscape.

Plans for the state-of-the-art building have been approved by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council - the largest project in its ambitious capital investment programme.

With a new Southern Regional College building set to be erected close by, the new Leisure Centre promises to be a hive of activity and a focal point for a vibrant Craigavon.

Projected to be built by 2019 and costing approximately £30m, it is expected that the new multi-functional facility will significantly enhance the borough’s leisure facilities and be one of the best examples of indoor and outdoor leisure provision in the province.

Draft plans have been drawn up to provide not only a first-class facility fit for the 21st century, but also one that caters to the diverse needs of all users.

Proposed features include an eight-lane pool measuring 50m x 17m, fun leisure (large inflatable play equipment) and teaching water (adjustable floor level), 300 spectator seats, wet and dry side changing facilities, watersports centre, outdoor watersports adventure, eight-court sports hall, fitness gym, health suite with treatment rooms, a spin studio, a dance studio, five activity rooms, two squash courts, an open hub space, a café and crèche/soft play area.

To ensure the new facility is built to the highest specification, well designed and most importantly fully utilised by people in all parts of the borough for a variety of recreational activities, it’s essential that all stakeholders including sports groups, community associations, schools and the wider public have an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft designs.

Lord Mayor Councillor Garath Keating emphasises the need for the public to have their say.

He said: “There’s a growing appreciation of the key role which local government plays in building healthy communities.

“It’s part of our wider agenda to encourage people of all ages and abilities to lead healthier lifestyles by increasing their level of physical activity.

“Not only does this new facility represent a significant investment in the district’s sports infrastructure, but it will also have a positive impact on improving the health and well-being of local people for many generations.

“For that reason, it’s important that their views are represented and needs are met in the final designs.”

To enable for this information to be gathered, the council has developed a new digital engagement platform which shows videos and visuals of the designs and asks a series of questions about the various features.

If you would like your views to be considered, visit www.facebook.com/LurganMail on Wednesday 6 July when the consultation period is open for your views and comments.

Alternatively, log onto www.shapeabc.community to register your details and submit your views.

The consultation period ends on Wednesday 3 August 2016.