Council tight lipped on leisure centre costs

The leisure centre had been due to open on August 15 this year. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has delayed completion of council’s largest capital project to date, with the centre now expected to open in October.

Built by Farrans, the new centre will boast a 50 metre pool, a young children’s indoor leisure water feature, a 1,000m2 state-of-the-art gym, multiple studios, sensory room, eight-court sports halls, spin studio, soft play area and an on-site cafe.

Before this delay, it was estimated that the centre would cost approximately £35 million. Now, rumours are swirling that this figure is set to rise.

However, when asked about the potential for rising costs a spokesperson for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough said it was a confidential matter.

“Farrans and their supply chain of subcontractors left the South Lake Leisure Centre site on March 27 and returned five weeks later on May 4,” said a Council spokesperson.

“Since returning to site, the construction team has performed admirably to ensure the contract is completed in the shortest possible time.

“Any potential costs associated with a delay are a commercially confidential matter.”

Adam Morton , Local Democracy Reporting Service