Ballynahinch centre upgrade set to begin

19 January 2022

WORK is expected to start shortly on a major internal upgrade at Ballynahinch Community Centre.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council has drawn up plans to reconfigure the internal layout of the Windmill Street facility as part of a significant investment initiative.

Local people are being asked for their views on the planned upgrade which could be completed as early as the summer and cost in the region of £300,000.

Confirmation that work is to start soon on the centre upgrade has been welcomed by Rowallane councillor Kathryn Owen, who has also thanked Strangford MP Jim Shannon and her council colleague Billy Walker for their support in driving the renovation programme forward.

She revealed that she had been contacted by a number of residents about the slow progress of the scheme and is pleased that everything is now on track.

In addition to the planned work at the community centre, consideration is also being given to investing around £30,000 to finance internal alterations of the local authority-owned Market House in the town centre.

And the Recorder understands that consideration is being given to providing an ultra-modern 3G sports pitch at the Langley Road playing fields with the adjoining sports pavilion also in line for a major upgrade

A number of politicians have been lobbying for the local authority to address what they described as the organisation’s “under investment” in Ballynahinch and ensure that enhancing leisure facilities is a critical component of its future investment plans.

Council officials had previously been asked to examine the potential of extending and upgrading the existing community centre at Windmill Street or a complete new-build, potentially on available land at the town’s Langley Road or at the Newcastle Road.

However, they have opted to commit £300,000 on a major upgrade of the existing complex which will include a reconfiguration of the internal floorspace in a bid to increase the building’s usage.

Politicians say they are keen to work in partnership with council officials and the Ballynahinch Community Collective to improve sports and community provision in the town to meet the needs of a wide range of people.

Elected representatives say Ballynahinch needs to be at the heart of planned investment in future leisure provision across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area.

Politicians are keen to ensure that Ballynahinch does not miss out when it comes to leisure provision investment, given the money that has already spent in other towns across the council area.

They believe that the good working relationship that exists between elected representatives across the Rowallane area can ensure that Ballynahinch does not miss out on future funding opportunities

and that the needs of the town’s community are met, particularly when it comes to modern leisure, sports and community provision.

Politicians want Ballynahinch to be included in any future strategy when it comes to leisure activities and provision, warning that the town cannot afford be left behind.

They say the current community centre requires a much-needed upgrade with the current proposal a major step in the right direction.

Elected representatives say that given the local council spend on major schemes in other parts of the district, the ratepayers of Ballynahinch deserve nothing less than an upgrade community centre and investment in other parts of the town.

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