Coalisland leisure hub cost rises by £1.5million

THE proposed cost of a new health and well being hub in Coalisland has increased by £1.5 million.

In July, Council confirmed it was to undertake a renewed consultation with the local community on plans to develop a £5 million leisure, health and well-being hub at Gortgonis.

However, a spokesperson for Mid Ulster District Council has now confirmed the estimated cost of the project stands at £6.5 million.

At the time, the council acknowledged a pre-application notification process had been undertaken in relation to this project by the council in November 2018 but an error in the advertisement meant the process, including community consultation had to be recommenced.

It is understood the project will see a new leisure centre constructed, incorporating a gym, community hall, changing rooms and meeting rooms with planned outdoor facilities to include a six-lane running track, 3G pitch, woodland walkways and two connected play areas, one for younger children and one for older children.

Following a behind closed doors discussion of the project in the confidential section of March’s meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee, held on Thursday, March 3, a council spokesperson confirmed the increase in cost.

The spokesperson also told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it hopes to have secured full planning permission for the development within “within the next few months” but said it is still too early to talk about “definitive job creation” in relation to this development.

“The Gortgonis Leisure and Community Health & Well Being Hub is part of Council’s current capital development programme, valued in the region of £6.5 million,” said the spokesperson.

“We hope to have full planning approval for the scheme in the next few months.

“It is too early to be definitive about job creation because it will depend on the ultimate operating model the council chooses to put in place.”