RATEPAYERS are being asked to have a key input into the design of Downpatrick’s new multi-million leisure centre.
Down Council wants local people to outline the facilities they want provided in the new centre and how the finished building should look.
Initial concept drawings have gone on public display and ratepayers have until May 4 to make known their views. A public meeting is being held at the current Down Leisure Centre in Lower Market Street at the start of May.
It will be attended by senior council officials and consultants who will design the new £13m leisure centre which is expected to open its doors at the end of 2014.
The new leisure complex will be built in front of the existing facility which will be bulldozed when construction work has been completed.
At the launch of the four-week consultation period, council director Michael Lipsett said the local authority is extremely keen for the public to come forward and give its view on what they would like to see in the new Down Leisure Centre.
“Basic concept designs have been produced but they are by no means the finished article. We are moving into the detailed design stage over the next few months and want to hear what people would like to see in the new building.
“While we will not be able to deliver everything people may want, the consultation exercise is designed to see what people would like and if it can be accommodated,” he explained.
Mr. Lipsett said the council wants to establish an agreed way forward and incorporate as much as possible of what the public wants in the final design.
He continued: “We want to see what activities people would like to see provided and what rooms they think the new centre needs. However, the budget we have is not unlimited and we have to remain within it.
“We also want people’s views on the design of the new centre itself. What do they think of the initial designs and what changes would they like. For example, is there too much glass or not enough?”
Mr. Lipsett said while planning permission has not yet been secured, it is hoped that construction work on the new Down Leisure Centre will start next spring, with the doors opening in November of December 2014.
He added: “There have been initial talks with planners and the indications are that they are generally happy with the new leisure centre proposal. We hope to make a formal bid for planning approval in six months’ time."