Huge repair bill likely for ailing Newcastle Centre

Huge repair bill likely for ailing Newcastle Centre

28 August 2013

LOCAL politicians were last night asked to sanction a £200,000 spend to refurbish a large part of the Newcastle Centre.

Council officers are keen to see the money spent on an extension at the rear of the Annesley Buildings complex at Central Promenade, but several politicians believe the proposed investment cannot be justified and want the rear of the leisure complex closed.

Some councillors are reluctant to spend such a huge amount on the centre given the proposal to develop a new £7.5m leisure complex in the resort. They believe the needs of those who use the rear of the existing centre can be accommodated in other buildings in the resort and surrounding area.

No major refurbishment of the extension — added in the late 1970s — has taken place since it was built and as this part of the leisure centre continues to deteriorate, some politicians believe it should be closed.

But a report compiled by council officials due to be discussed last night indicates that not all the facilities housed in the rear of the leisure complex can be relocated to other venues.

The council report explains the existing main hall at the complex is predominantly used for recreational activities and classes during the winter months. The hall is also a key venue for Newcastle Centre’s summer entertainment programme.

Council officials say the facilities at the rear of the complex enjoy high occupancy all year round, providing accommodation for a playgroup — which has been based at the Newcastle Centre for 20 years —an after-schools club and classes for a wide range of interests.

The report says while some of the activities currently provided at the Newcastle Centre could be accommodated elsewhere, the “neutral aspect” of the complex appeals to all groups. The report also spells out that the playgroup could not easily relocate due to strict specialist requirements laid down by the South Eastern Health Trust.

Councillors were also informed last night that closing part of the leisure centre would result in a loss in income. Over the past three years, the complex’s income has increased from £58,197 to £61,416.

Council officials admit while there are venues in the resort which would be suitable for some of the activities currently held in the Newcastle Centre, their particular availability is limited. They say it’s clear no one location can accommodate the range of activities currently provided at the leisure centre.

Councillors were told last night that there is no other facility that’s big enough to facilitate aspects of Down Council’s indoor summer entertainment programme currently provided at the Newcastle Centre. Council officials have warned that closing the auditorium will have a major impact on Newcastle as a tourist attraction, with a total reliance on hotels to provide an entertainment programme.