Mid and East Antrim: Extended hours approved for three leisure centres following 'significant demand for early opening'
Mid and East Antrim councillors have agreed to extend opening hours at the borough’s three leisure centres.
Following a review, in response to an Alliance motion which proposed doors be open on bank holidays, the Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee approved a new schedule which will be standard at Larne Leisure Centre, Amphitheatre, Carrickfergus and Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Ballymena.
Currently, all shut at 9pm on weekdays and at 5pm, on Sundays. Amphitheatre opens at 6.30, on weekdays, Seven Towers, 7.30am and Larne Leisure Centre, 8am.
On Saturday, Amphitheatre opens at 8am and Larne and Seven Towers, at 8.30am. On Sunday, Amphitheatre opens at 9am, Larne, 10 am and Seven Towers, 11am. Amphitheatre closes at 5pm on Saturday and Larne and Seven Towers at 5.30pm.
The proposed new arrangement would see all three leisure centres open from 6am until 10pm, Monday to Friday and from 8am until 4pm, Saturday and Sunday. It is expected to come into operation in the 2027/28 financial year.
A committee report said consultation will now take place with staff and trade unions regarding the proposal before any planned new schedule commences. The decision has still to be ratified by the full council.
The report indicated the council’s leisure membership income is estimated at £1.6m across the borough’s leisure centres and this figure represents 55 per cent of its leisure income. It was noted Neighbouring councils and commercial gyms typically operate from 6am until 10pm.
The report acknowledged the availability of early morning and late evening access is viewed as a “standard component of a modern leisure membership offer” and would “support improved customer satisfaction”.
Councillors were told providing extended opening hours will result in an additional staffing cost of £15,400 monthly for three leisure centres and almost £185k annually. However, a ten per cent increase in membership is anticipated during the next financial year amounting to £160k.
The local authority anticipates increased income through membership and increased “pay as you go” usage of gyms, fitness classes and swimming pools.
Speaking at the meeting, committee chair Carrickfergus Castle Alderman Billy Ashe said he welcomed a “business approach” to the council’s leisure services.
Matt McDowell, director of people, said: “I think it is very important we offer opportunities for residents to use our facilities at appropriate times. There is significant demand for early opening. We should be generating increased income from increased opening hours.”
Larne Lough Alliance Cllr Maeve Donnelly, who proposed accepting the recommendation for the extension and uniform opening hours, noted Larne is competing with a 24-hour gym.
In response to a query from Ballymena Ulster Unionist Cllr Brian Thompson over marketing, the director said there would be a campaign “coming into the new financial year”. Cllr Thompson seconded the proposal.
Bannside Ulster Unionist Cllr Jackson Minford pointed out there are later opening hours on Saturday and Sunday, at present. The director commented that “usage drops off significantly at weekends around 4pm”.
Bannside DUP Cllr Tyler Hoey asked for user numbers.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter