Update on multi-million pound leisure centre in Newcastle due in weeks

Update on multi-million pound leisure centre in Newcastle due in weeks

21 August 2024

A PROGRESS report on plans for a new multi-million pound leisure centre in Newcastle is to be unveiled within weeks.

The news comes after the Recorder revealed last week that the final bill for the eagerly-awaited project could be as high as £20m — almost double the original estimate.

A new leisure facility has been proposed at the site of the Newcastle Centre in the heart of the town where demolition work to raze an extension at the rear to pave the way for the proposed new-build was completed last year.

The construction of the new multi-million pound leisure facility will also result in the removal of the outdoor Tropicana children’s play pool.

The new leisure complex is expected to feature an indoor leisure pool which will include three 30 metre swimming lanes and a dedicated heated play pool for children. The eagerly-awaited is also expected to feature an ultra-modern gymnasium.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council has finally confirmed that proposals for the redevelopment of the Newcastle Centre are currently being progressed. 

A spokeswoman said they will be presented to the council for consideration in the coming weeks, but it is not yet known if this will take place behind closed doors.

The Recorder understands Mournes councillors — who represent the Newcastle area — will be given a briefing on the proposed new leisure centre development early next month.

The council spokeswoman said further updates on the multi-million pound proposal will be provided soon and that a media briefing will also be arranged in due course. But no definitive timescales have been confirmed.

Last week, Mournes councillor Glyn Hanna said he favoured the new leisure centre investment being prioritised over addressing issues at the crumbling  Rock Pool at South Promenade at the resort which, he claimed, could cost £7m to address.

He said work to deliver the new leisure facility was progressing at a “snail’s pace” while people also “need to get real” about the issues at the Rock Pool.

And Cllr Hanna questioned whether the multi-million pound leisure complex project has “hit a wall” and said it “seems like an eternity” since council officers provided councillors with any update.

“The original cost of this scheme was £11m, but I now believe because of the time that has been wasted that it could be closer to £20m and my patience is running out waiting to see this new centre built,” he continued.

“I want to see our premier tourist destination and the people of Newcastle provided with a 21st century leisure centre, not making do with what they have.”

Cllr Hanna said the public would have access to the leisure facility all year round, not just 10 weeks over the spring and summer as was the case with the Rock Pool when it was open.

Several politicians have recently expressed concern at the lack of progress in determining the future of the Rock Pool, with Cllr Hanna adding his voice to the list, insisting that the iconic facility must be fully restored

He described the lack of progress on the future of the outdoor pool as “disappointing” and claimed some elected representatives are “misleading” the public over cost options for its future.

“We need to be realistic,” he declared.

“I have said before that it would cost £5m to fully restore the Rock Pool, but I now believe it would cost £7m. This is a realistic cost as there has been substantial further decay to its structure,” Cllr Hanna continued.

He said it’s clear the historic pool needs to be fully restored with finance from external funders and the community and local authority working in partnership to achieve this.

“People need to step up to get the job done and while I know there are those with sentimental attachments to this pool, we do need to get real,” he added.

A Newry, Mourne and Down Council spokesperson has confirmed that proposals for the redevelopment of the Newcastle Centre are currently being progressed and will be presented to Council for consideration in the coming weeks. 

“Further updates will be provided and a media briefing will be arranged in due course,” she added.