Swimming Pool to be completed by this winter

Phase 1 of the new Single Leisure Centre which includes Newry's new swimming pool is progressing well and on schedule to complete this winter 2014/15.

Facilities in the pool will include an eight lane competition pool with lap timing equipment, scoreboard and a moving pool floor, Spectator seating for over 200 patrons, 2 lane leaning pool, Beach access Leisure water with interactive play features, Flume, Spa area with heated spa pool, massage station and heated loungers, 14 person timber lined Sauna with accessible seating, 14 person tiled Steam room with accessible seating, Village changing facilities with group rooms, family rooms and a variety of accessible changing accommodation, Multi-purpose sports and training room with modern AV equipment and External changing facilities for the existing pitches.

The Council have reported that the complete centre (Phase 1 and 2) is designed to meet the Disability Sports Northern Ireland exemplar access criteria and may be the first new build sports facility to achieve this accreditation in Northern Ireland.

Environmentally sustainable features include solar thermal water heating, on site electricity generation, rain water harvesting, heat recovery to ventilation, excess heat from on-site electricity generation used to heat pool water; thermal blanket for pool water heat retention; UV pool water treatment reduces chlorine content and use and the building fabric is designed to exceed current insulation and air tightness requirements by at least 20%. Phase 2 design will evaluate the feasibility of on site water supply and a substantial photovoltaic installation.

Phase 2 of the Single Leisure Centre is currently in the Planning System and is due to start on site early 2015.  Facilities in Phase 2 will include an eight court sports hall with bleacher seating, 4 court sports hall, 2 squash courts, Handball court, Café, Children’s soft-play area with birthday room, Multi-purpose sports and training room with modern AV equipment, Multi-purpose sports studio, Dedicated spin cycle studio, Dedicated Aerobics studio with dance facilities, Fitness assessment room and a 500 square metre/ 70 station fitness suite.

Councillor Michael Ruane, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council said “I am delighted that construction of the new Swimming Pool is progressing and we look forward to its completion”