Could Crossgar get £3m sports facilities?

Could Crossgar get £3m sports facilities?

2 April 2014

PROPOSALS for spending over £3m on community sports facilities in Crossgar were outlined at a Down Council committee meeting on Monday.

Consultant Tony Morrison, who had been asked to produce a feasibility study for possible new facilities, said there were not enough grass pitches in the area.

He also noted the lack of a 3G pitch, indoor badminton courts and an under representation of female sports.

Mr. Morrison went on acknowledge the interest of local people in developing their area.

“There is a very healthy community spirit in Crossgar,” he said.

Outlining a preferred option, Mr. Morrison suggested developing sports facilities at St. Colmcille’s High School for community use, with a 3G pitch and a four court sports hall. Outdoor recreation facilities at Lislea Drive could also be developed, with a skate park and outdoor trail among the suggestions.

The majority of the money would be spent at St. Colmcille’s, with the remaining £710,000 at Lislea Drive.

Mr. Morrison then explained that the Crossgar leisure facilities would run at a deficit of £118,316.

Councillor Maria McCarthy said she was pleased the preferred option involved St. Colmcille’s as the school already worked with the community.

She also commended the work of community representatives who had fought for the feasibility study.

“They have pushed the council and the council officers,” she said.

Councillor Stephen Burns said some might think the council “mad” for spending nearly £4m and perhaps only providing five jobs as a result.

“As a council we have a responsibility to see beyond that,” he said. “It is a massive benefit to the community.”

The council’s director of Recreation Michael Lipsett said the council would need to increase its affordable borrowing limit if such a scheme was to be pursued.

Sports and Community Services manager Patrick McCluskey said that in order to source funding they needed permission to spend money on a planning application, which could total 7.5 per cent of the overall budget.

“That is not an insignificant sum,” he said.