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Planning permission for a £1 million upgrade has now been secured for Kilkeel Leisure Centre, which will be funded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Capital Programme.
Preliminary design work has recently been completed and the Council is now in the process of appointing an integrated design team to assist in advancing this project to the next stage of contractor procurement and appointment.
Commenting on the upgrade and refurbishment plans for Kilkeel Leisure Centre, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said, ‘‘These upgrade plans are part of the Council’s strategic objective to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in the district and reduce health inequalities. Many of the residents throughout our district are keen to really prioritise their physical fitness and mental health and it is important that we provide appropriate facilities to help them to do this.
Chairperson, Cllr Savage continued, “This £1 million investment for Kilkeel will provide residents with a modern leisure facility with state-of-the-art gym equipment. It will also add to the range of incentives that attract visitors to the area and I look forward to seeing the project come to fruition for residents and visitors to enjoy going forward.’’
The upgrade work will include a new extension to the gym so that members can enjoy a more spacious fitness facility with new gym equipment and machines. A new dedicated fitness class studio will also be incorporated into the designs offering a variety of fitness classes once completed.
Following on from recent upgrades to the reception area, the Council will invest further in the pool changing area to create additional family and disability changing rooms along with new lockers. The roof will also be fully repaired and the exterior modernised to better withstand coastal conditions.
The Council is currently undertaking a recruitment drive for the Leisure Centre. Additional staff have been recruited and are due to take up positions in September 2022 further positions will be advertised in September to fill the remaining posts. Customers are still encouraged to book in advance for the swimming pool until the facility gets back to its full scope of service delivery.
