Work begins on Newcastle Centre

Work begins on Newcastle Centre

14 September 2022

DEMOLITION work is finally underway at the rear of the Newcastle Centre to pave the way for a multi-million pound redevelopment.

Contractors are currently on site to bulldoze the rear extension which houses an auditorium at the Central Promenade building as part of the Newry, Mourne and Down Council proposal to provide an ultra-modern leisure complex in the heart of the resort.

As part of the ambitious redevelopment programme the outdoor Tropicana swimming pool will also be demolished to pave the way for a major new extension which will be bolted on to the side and rear of the existing Newcastle Centre which enjoys protected status.

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

Redeveloping the existing centre has been ruled out due to the scale of the costs involved and it’s understood that the planned new-build will be larger than the current building which is listed, posing major problems for Newry, Mourne and Down Council in transforming it into an energy efficient facility which meets current building regulations and standards.

Last year, it was revealed that an economist and team of expert consultants would be appointed to design the new leisure facility, with the local authority adding an additional £450,000 to its capital programme to help deliver the new complex.

The planned investment at the current Newcastle Centre housed in the Annesley Buildings is also a key plank of the local authority’s capital investment programme

And while some concern has been expressed about the decision to remove the outdoor slide at the Tropicana, it’s being argued that given its current condition, the work is necessary and will also provide room for the planned new-build.

Detailed work has already been carried out at the town centre site, including geotechnical surveys which examined ground conditions to provide architects and designers with key information ahead of construction work getting underway.

Local councillors say the long overdue new leisure facility will benefit residents, their families and tourists alike and provide them with ultra-modern facilities and hope that work can start soon.

Due to the presence of contractors on site the Newcastle Centre and the car park at the side of the building will remain closed until September 17. However, the public toilets located in the car park remain open.

South Down MLA Cathy Mason and Mournes councillor Willie Clarke have welcomed the start of demolition work to pave the way for Newcastle’s new leisure centre.

Mrs Mason said she is pleased that work is underway to provide the resort with a modern leisure facility.

“The development will breathe new life into the area, offering local residents and visitors modern facilities including a leisure pool and a state of the art gym in the heart of Newcastle,” she said.

Cllr Clarke said that for far too long, the people of Newcastle have had to put up with “substandard facilities”.

He added: “Sinn Féin has pushed to see the timely delivery of these new amenities and it is welcome to see the plans becoming a reality for the local community here. We will continue to work hard to deliver real  change within our towns and villages across South Down”