Newcastle leisure plan to revamp town centre

Newcastle leisure plan to revamp town centre

16 February 2022

PLANS for Newcastle’s new multi-million leisure complex are expected to be finalised shortly, it has emerged this week.

Demolition work at the rear of the Newcastle Centre to pave the way for the much-needed facility in the resort is due to start soon with confirmation that the new complex will feature an indoor leisure pool — news of which was first revealed by the Recorder last year which outlined plans for three 30-metre swimming lanes and a dedicated heated play pool for children.

The eagerly-awaited new leisure facility will also feature an ultra-modern gymnasium and once demolition work has been completed, the new complex will be bolted on to the side of the existing centre.

In addition to an old extension at the rear of the Central Promenade building being demolished, the outdoor Tropicana swimming pool will also be bulldozed to make way for the ultra-modern replacement.

Redeveloping the existing Newcastle Centre has been ruled out due to the scale of the costs involved and it’s understood that the planned new-build will be larger than the current centre which is a listed building, posing major problems for the council in transforming it into an energy efficient facility which meets current building regulations and standards.

Late last year, it was revealed that an economist and team of expert consultants would be appointed to design the new leisure facility, with Newry, Mourne and Down Council adding an additional £450,000 to its capital programme to help deliver the new complex.

The planned investment at the current Newcastle Centre housed in the Annesley Buildings is also a key plank of the local authority’s capital investment programme.

And while some concern has been expressed about the decision to remove the slide at the Tropicana, it’s being argued that given its current condition, the work is necessary and will also provide room for the planned new-build.

Detailed work has already been carried out at the town centre site, including geotechnical surveys which examined ground conditions to provide architects and designers with key information ahead of construction work getting underway.

While no detailed timescales are in place, politicians hope that major progress to deliver the project can now be made, with planning permission and all other associated approvals secured in a timely fashion.

Two sites were previously identified for the new centre, with sports pitches at Donard Park the preferred option. 

However, councillors subsequently switched attention to the former St Mary’s Girls’ Primary School site at nearby Shanslieve Drive but lost out in a bidding war to supermarket giant Lidl.

Local politicians are keen to see progress on the new leisure complex and are pleased that it will now include an indoor pool. They say residents have been looking for a modern leisure complex for over two decades.

Council chairwoman, Cathy Mason, was one of a number of local politicians provided with a progress report on the Newcastle project last week by senior council directors.

She described confirmation of plans for new leisure facilities in Newcastle as ”really welcome news.”

She continued: “These new local amenities will be of great benefit to local residents, their families and tourists alike and I am delighted that the plans are in the final stages. The plans will include a new leisure pool and state of the art gym facilities.”

Cllr Mason also reaffirmed the view that the rear of the Newcastle Centre is no longer fit for purpose and, as a result, will be demolished in the near future.

She continued: “For too long, the people of Newcastle have had to put up with substandard facilities. I hope to see the finalised plans for the new leisure complex and site approval in the coming months so that contractors can start working on the project as soon as possible.”

The council chairwoman said it is essential that the local authority “moves in a timely manner” to ensure the leisure centre project comes to fruition so that Newcastle residents can access the new facilities as soon as possible. 

Cllr Mason said Sinn Féin will continue to do all it can to ensure the new leisure facilities are delivered, insisting that she will continue to stand up for rural families across South Down to provide essential services in the heart of their respective communities.