Reduced family centre rates for leisure centres

Reduced family centre rates for leisure centres

27 March 2019

NEW family membership prices for Down Leisure Centre and Ballymote Sports and Wellbeing Centre will come into effect next month.

For one full-paying monthly member, additional family members will be able to pay just £15 for the leisure centre and £10 for Ballymote per month.

Full monthly membership of Downpatrick centre and Ballymote costs £29.95 and £24.95 respectively.

However, a new price of £18.95 direct debit payment per month for gym only at Ballymote and Newcastle has also been recommended with a £15 per month for people aged over 60 and the less able to use the gym, swim and health suite facilities.

The prices were approved at last Thursday’s meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down’s Active and Healthy Communities committee.

Known as the household membership bolt-on pricing structure, the prices require to be rubber-stamped by the full council which meets next Monday night. 

Cllr Gareth Sharvin, committee chairman, welcomed the new prices structure, which was proposed by Cllr Roisin Howell and seconded by Cllr Brian Quinn. 

He said the new prices represented “great savings for families in the Downpatrick and Lecale area”.

 “Further to the household bolt on membership, the council will be introducing a new price model to encourage junior participation within leisure centre swimming pools, where leisure centre customers who have an active membership account, a discounted rate of £1.50 per child will be offered compared to £2.40 for 4-15 years old with an accompanying adult member,” he added.

“That’s another great saving for families to avail of at the Down Leisure Centre. Under four years of age continues to be free of charge.”

The new prices were welcomed by Cllr Howell and Downpatrick Sinn Fein candidate Oonagh Hanlon.

Cllr Howell said: “I am delighted that this review has been completed and bolt on membership for families and multiple members in one household has been agreed. Swimming concessions are also approved for children of members.”

Ms Hanlon added: “It is vitally important that this wonderful facility is accessible to everyone and pricing should not be a barrier for families who want to avail of the facilities.”