Consultation new Strabane leisure centre to begin next week

THE first images have been released showing what Strabane’s new leisure centre might look like, ahead of a public consultation into the development.

Released by Derry City and Strabane District Council yesterday (Wednesday), the digital pictures show a state-of-the-art frontal facade as well as artists’ impressions of the swimming pool and the interior.

Beginning next week, the public consultation will be the first time locals can have their say on the proposed leisure centre and what services it could provide.

Independent Strabane councillor Paul Gallagher said the news of the project moving forward is positive.

“There has been talk of these developments for a long time and I know there is some skepticism but the news that there is going to be public consultations and a timeline possibly announced, is very positive,” he said.

“Council has been doing a lot of background work and we are getting to a stage where we will soon see diggers on the ground and work commencing on these long awaited projects.”

A new leisure centre located in the vicinity of the Canal Basin remains a key part of the plans to develop Strabane town centre, infrastructure improvements which are being paid for by money from the City Deal Inclusive Future Fund (£50m), the Department of Health (£18.2m), the Department for Infrastructure (£4.4m) and council (£29.4m).

A new North West Regional College (NWRC) campus will also be established as well as a primary healthcare hub and a new pedestrian bridge over the Mourne.

CONSULTATION

Barry O’Hagan, council’s head of Community Development and Leisure said that it’s important that all user groups and the local community in Strabane get actively involved in this exciting regeneration leisure project.

He said, “This new strategic leisure facility for Strabane has been identified as a priority in both council’s Strategic Growth Plan and the Local Growth Plan. It is an integral component of council’s wider vision for the strategic development and regeneration of Strabane Town Centre that is planned through City Deal. The new facility in this location will make it more accessible to the local community as it is within walking distance from most areas of the town and adjacent to our greenway infrastructure and within walking distance to the existing bus station and the new Riverine Project.

“There will be a very strong focus on sustainability and physical activity with enhanced wet side and dry side facilities…

“The proposed swimming pool will have increased water capacity with a viewing gallery and a significantly larger training pool. It is anticipated that this state-of-the-art facility will be form part of a wider health hub offering a range of physical activities to improve the health and well-being of the local community.

“In addition to talking to our local sports clubs and user groups, we are hoping to get as much feedback as possible from the wider public.”

The next steps will involve council developing designs proposals over the coming months, at which point a further consultation will be undertaken prior to submission to planning.

The first consultations will take place on Wednesday (June 19) at the Riversdale Leisure Centre from 10am – 12pm, Melvin Sports Complex from 2pm – 4pm and the Alley Theatre from 6pm – 9pm.

For those who cannot attend the information sessions, an online questionnaire will be available through the Council’s Have Your Say online portal from Tuesday.