THE public is to be consulted on plans for a new multi-million pound leisure and community centre in Newcastle.
Work has been completed on several feasibility studies and strategic reports with the Newcastle Centre site the firm favourite to house the new facility.
The provision of new leisure facilities in the resort is viewed as a key priority for Newry, Mourne and Down Council, with several development options examined. Local authority officials hope that work on the much-needed project can start within four years.
News of the new leisure centre plan, exclusively revealed in the Recorder last October, is being discussed by senior council officials and local politicians and recently topped the agenda during a special workshop examining the way forward.
Among the proposals being examined are building a new complex at the rear of the current Newcastle Centre, which enjoys protected status. This would also result in the current outdoor Tropicana swimming pool being bulldozed.
Local politicians were recently presented with an update on progress on a new leisure proposal, with council officials confirming this week that a review of various feasibility studies and their findings is being considered by the organisation.
While the local authority said that it is not yet in a position to confirm any plans or timelines in relation to the Newcastle Centre or indeed the Tropicana, it insists any new-build will not encroach on the promenade at the rear.
Most significantly, the council has confirmed that any commissioning of a full economic appraisal and business case would involve consultations, including public meetings, as part of the process.
Council officials say that they are “acutely aware” of the need for improved leisure provision in Newcastle and are keen to address criticism that on wet days in the resort, there is little provision for both residents and tourists.
While redeveloping the existing Newcastle Centre, which forms part of the Annesley Buildings, is one option moving forward, there are suggestions that given the age of the building, the scale of the work involved an the constraints of the site, a new-build at the rear would be more most cost-effective.
One of the key issues the council will have to address is how it intends to replace the Tropicana if, as widely expected, it will be bulldozed. There are those pushing for an indoor water facility which would be available all year round.
Council officials are also keen to ensure that the redevelopment of the Main Street site is in keeping with a part of the resort where millions of pounds have been invested over recent years. Serious consideration will also have to be given to on-site car parking, included adequate disabled provision.
In addition, council officials say that they recognise that as one of Northern Ireland’s premier tourist resorts, Newcastle does not have a modern indoor leisure facility which has been its Achilles heel for some considerable time.
Two sites were previously identified for a new leisure centre in the resort, with sports pitches at Donard Park the preferred option.
However, councillors subsequently switched attention to the former St. Mary’s Girls’ Primary School campus at Shanslieve Drive. Despite a number of attempts to secure the site and hopes that a deal could be agreed with local church officials, it was bought by supermarket giant Lidl to develop a new store and dedicated base for the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.
Councillors are keen for the local authority to take the lead and ensure that Newcastle boasts an ultra-modern community and leisure facility.
They say that the provision of a new centre for residents and visitors is long overdue and that a resort the size of Newcastle should and must have adequate leisure provision. Some councillors are keen to see a family fun pool in the proposed new-build.
A Newry, Mourne and Down Council spokeswoman confirmed that several feasibility studies and strategic reports have been compiled in relation to the Newcastle Centre.
She also confirmed that a recent review of the feasibility studies and their findings has been completed and is being considered by the local authority.
“Until further scoping works are carried out, the council cannot confirm any plans or timelines in relation to the Newcastle Centre or the Tropicana,” said the spokeswoman.
She added: “However, encroaching on to the promenade is not anticipated. It is anticipated that any commissioning of a full economic appraisal and business case would involve consultations, including public meetings as part of the process.”