Leisure Centre 'bang on budget'

Demolition has been completed and work has begun on forming the base of the massive 50 metre pool - the first in Northern Ireland.

The upgrade, carried out by Heron Brothers of Draperstown, is expected to be completed in just over a year’s time, around Christmas 2011 or New Year 2012.

A new six lane pool will replace the original 25m five lane pool and already there has been keen interest from Northern Ireland’s swimming fraternity, according to a council spokesperson.

In addition to this the refurbishment includes a new teaching pool, a new children’s paddling pool, an indoor water slide with splash pool, a children’s soft play area, converting the main hall from a three court to a four court hall and refurbishing the first floor fitness suites.

The works scheduled will ensure free independent access to all levels and will make the leisure centre fully compliant with the Disability Access legislation.

A council spokesperson said a significant part of the budget is being spent on mechanical and electrical work such as the heating, water filtration and purification and air conditioning. “This is money being spent to ensure the comfort and safety of the public,” he said.

Chairperson of the Council, Anne Forde said: “The refurbished centre will complement the Council’s extensive package of leisure facilities and will without doubt make Magherafelt District the envy of anywhere in the country.”

A council spokesperson said: “We are very excited about producing one of the premier leisure facilities for the people of Mid Ulster.”

The centre opened first in 1971 as a swimming pool complex with a main 25m pool and a teaching pool. Squash courts were added in 1975 and a three court main hall with stage, changing rooms and cafeteria in 1982. In 1990 the Flumes (water slides) were added along with a paddling pool and play features.

Between 1994-97 there were more substantial refurbishments. There was a major face lift with new ground floor cafeteria, health suite (sauna, steam room, spa pool and plunge pool) and new fitness suite (Dimensions), as well as essential maintenance/replacement of plant and fixtures and fittings.

In 1999 the “conference room” was converted into the “cardio-theatre” which brought the fitness suite up to state of the art at the time.