End of an era as old leisure centre is razed to the ground

End of an era as old leisure centre is razed to the ground

1 January 2019

A PIECE of history is being bulldozed in the heart of Downpatrick town centre.

Almost four decades after it opened for business, the old Down Leisure Centre is being razed to the ground following the opening of its ultra-modern £16m replacement.

The old centre was the first major leisure complex built in the district and was one of the most modern of its kind when the doors opened for business, boasting a new swimming pool and a suite of other facilities, including a large sports hall.

Contractors in charge of the demolition work have made signifiant progress to date, with most of the large sports hall already bulldozed. When workmen return from their Christmas holidays, the remainder of the old centre will be demolished to make way for a major new car park.

The old leisure centre was a major community hub and in addition to meeting the district’s leisure needs, the hall hosted many community events.

They included public rallies — a number in support of the Downe Hospital campaign — former Down Council election counts, drama productions and even concerts featuring a host of local artists.

While the centre had long since passed its sell-by date, the former Down Council was keen to replace it and the work the local authority started was completed last month by its successor, Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

The old centre closed its doors for the final time at the end of November — 38 years after it opened. Within a week of its multi-million pound replacement opening for business, membership numbers doubled.

The stunning new three-storey facility boasts a range of facilities which would rival any of those more commonly found in leisure complexes attached to five star hotels.

Boasting ultra-modern equipment, the magnificent and futuristic 6,100 square metre centre heralds an exciting new dawn in the history of leisure provision across the district with facilities including an 85-station wellness gymnasium featuring the latest equipment.

There is a 26-station spin studio, 25-metre six-lane swimming pool, luxury vitality health suite including a sauna, steam room and vitality pool.

There are sports halls and multi-purpose space and a teaching pool with moveable floor. The fantastic health suite also comes with its own dedicated relaxation area.

Council officials are delighted with the new centre, in particular, the new teaching pool which will allow the new centre to provide a lot more swimming classes and education training for teachers, allowing full access to the main pool for other swimmers.

The opening of the leisure complex also coincides with a major drive to encourage people to be more active, with the new centre almost double the size of the out-dated building it replaces.

Council officials have described the new leisure complex as an important strategic project for the local authority as it will contribute towards the economic and social development of the district.