Multi-sports hub plans for local towns revealed

22 October 2025

PLANS have been unveiled to develop two major sports hubs in Downpatrick and Ballynahinch with both sharing a £1m funding pot to help progress their respective proposals.

Local politicians signed off on the ambitious schemes on Monday night as Newry, Mourne and Down Council seeks to address a lack of training facilities across the district for a range of sports including football, GAA, hockey, rugby, tennis and athletics.

Consultants are to be appointed to engage with sports clubs, schools and sporting organisations in the Downpatrick area to determine whether any new or emerging opportunities for land availability exist that could support the development of a multi-hub.

Politicians were told there is a shortfall of 24 one-hour weekly training slots for football in the Downpatrick area, with Gaelic games pitches operating at full capacity with no surplus for additional training.

Members of the local authority’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee were informed there is an identified need for improved athletics provision, including a second district athletics track to be located in Downpatrick.

There is an under supply of facilities for water sports, particularly for storage and club accommodation.

The consultation exercise will identify opportunities for suitable sites and delivery models but it’s understood there are issues at Dunleath Park, part of which is located in a designated flood plain.

In the Rowallane area, the primary focus is on Ballynahinch’s Langley Road sports complex and progressing future partnership working and investment priorities for outdoor sports.

A 2G synthetic pitch at St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College which was laid 15 years ago, is to be replaced with a 3G surface, with a new synthetic pitch proposed for Langley Road.

Councillors were told that Langley Road has the potential for multi-sport development for football, hockey and rugby, with local clubs interested in developing the area into a community-led sports hub.

The council plans to commission a masterplan for the site and engage with sports clubs, community groups and representative bodies to progress a lease, allowing those who will take the project forward to seek external funding.

In November last year, ambitious plans were unveiled for a major new community and sports hub in Ballynahinch with Langley Road the epicentre for a new cross-community facility.

Councillors Oonagh Hanlon and Philip Campbell have welcomed the proposal to appoint a specialist provider to lead a full consultation process for the development of a multi-sport hub in the Downpatrick area.

“This initiative marks a significant step forward in Sinn Féin’s commitment to ensuring high-quality, inclusive sports facilities across the district,” said Cllr Hanlon.

“The consultation will engage directly with local sports clubs, community groups and stakeholders to identify the most suitable sites and delivery models for the new multi-sport hub,” she added.

Cllr Campbell said it’s important that local sports clubs and groups are given the opportunity to input into any progression with sports facilities locally.

He added: “Our area has a very diverse sporting community and we will ensure all voices are heard.”

Rowallane councillor, Jonny Jackson, described the provision of a new multi-sports hub at Langley Road as a “game changer”.

He said he’s “absolutely delighted” with the progress that is being made and recognises the need for significant investment at the Ballynahinch venue.

Cllr Jackson with the proposed replacement pitch at St. Colman’s, a new hockey pitch at Langley Road and a masterplan for the overall site, there is the real potential of having, hockey, rugby and football facilities and support on one site which is unique.

“This is a very exciting project along with the new facilities for the local community and thanks to everyone who have supported this so far.”

Cllr David Lee-Surginor welcomed the £500,00 funding package to upgrade sports pitches at St Colman’s High School and Langley Road playing fields, with the investment marking a step forward in providing high-quality sports facilities for young people and the wider community.

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