£1m work gets underway at former police/UDR base in Maghera

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Brian McGuigan welcomed the work and said it would address the enhancement of leisure and recreational facilities in the South Derry town.

“Project costs of up to £1m have been allocated to leisure and recreational amenities within the Maghera Leisure Centre facility and Crewe Road area of Maghera,” he said.

“Development work at the former barracks site, totalling almost 10,000sq ft has commenced with the external demilitarising of the towering wall and corrugated sheeting.

“The local community of Maghera are focused on the future and were delighted to see the closure of the barracks in 2013 and have welcomed the commencement of works to transform this council-owned site.”

Supporting outdoor recreational facilities in the Maghera area, he continued: “I am delighted that the projects which are key to mental health and well-being have begun. The new multi-purpose 3G pitch will allow Council to continue supporting outdoor grassroot sports within the local community providing outstanding facilities that can be played all year round on a fit for purpose modern facility.

“Included within this project at the Leisure Centre site is the provision of a low-level lit trim trail that will follow the existing ground profile allowing for more recreational exercise connecting the community of Maghera.”

Councillor McGuigan said he was delighted that the ‘Highway to Health’ footway network extension on Crewe Road which he campaigned for was now well advanced.

He added that residents would soon have a footpath network to enjoy walking and keeping fit in a safer environment.

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