Saintfield group thanks council for £4m pledge

Saintfield group thanks council for £4m pledge

27 February 2013

THE Saintfield Development Association has formally thanked Down Council for committing £4.4m to a new community leisure facility in the town.

The Down Recorder exclusively revealed three weeks ago that the local authority is committing capital funding to the project. The decision marks

the first major capital investment in Saintfield since it the council was formed following the reorganisation of local government in 1973.

Two potential sites to house the new facility have been identified and council officials are currently in discussions with their respective landowners.

Planners have also been consulted about the suitability of both sites to house a new community centre and a decision is expected shortly.

Representatives from the Saintfield Development Association were at Monday night’s meeting of Down Council to thank the council for its financial backing for the new community/leisure facility in the town.

Association chairman, Gerry Lowe, said the local authority was asked to fund a feasibility study into a new centre in 2007, when the group was known as Saintfield Town Regeneration Committee.

“The council gave its approval for the study which was undertaken by FGS McClure Watters over 2007/2008. Sports and community groups in the Saintfield area were consulted and the findings showed a definite need for a community centre in the town,” explained Mr. Lowe.

“The report was accepted unanimously by the council in 2009 and various sites for the centre were identified and assessed. An economic appraisal by BDO Consultancy was also drawn up.”

Mr. Lowe said a development plan for Saintfield was drawn up in June last year which identified five priority projects for the town, of which a community and sports facility ranked highest.

He continued: “The public consultation questionnaire on this aspect of the plan garnered 255 responses; an unusually high number for this type of survey, showing the great interest from Saintfield residents.

“Our Association worked very closely with Rowallane councillors, together with Down Council’s Director of Recreation Michael Lipsett and council chief executive John Dumigan, all of whom were very supportive throughout the process.”

Mr. Lowe said the new Saintfield community development also secured the support of council chairman Mickey Coogan and explained that once constructed, the new facility will provide a “social and sporting hub” for the residents of Saintfield and district.

The Association chairman added: “This is a facility which has long been needed and we are delighted that money to build it has been made available.”