THE council has reiterated its aim to have contractors commence work on the £3.3m refurbishment of Kilkeel Leisure Centre at some point next year.
In a statement issued on Monday, the local authority also confirmed that details of the planned works are now available to view at the Mourne Esplanade facility.
‘The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council project will involve both the upgrade and expansion of the leisure facility,’ it read.
‘Significant progress is being made, with an aim to have contractors on-site in 2025.
‘The refurbishment will feature an extended state-of-the-art gym area with the latest fitness technology, a new fitness class studio for a wide range of classes, an upgraded reception, improved pool changing facilities with more family and accessible rooms, and new lockers.
‘The roof will be fully repaired, and the exterior will be modernised to better withstand coastal conditions.’
Council chair Pete Byrne said that the redevelopment aligns with the local authority’s goal to “enhance the health and wellbeing of everyone in our district while addressing health inequalities”.
“Many residents are eager to focus on improving their physical fitness and mental health, and it’s crucial that we offer suitable modern facilities to support these efforts,” he stated.
“The £3.3m investment in Kilkeel will deliver a contemporary leisure centre with cutting-edge gym equipment and a modernised pool area, which will undoubtedly draw visitors to the area.
“I am excited to see this project completed and look forward to both residents and visitors benefiting from these improvements.”
In February, as part of its capital programme within its rates setting process, the council endorsed a £3.33m spend for the works over a period of four financial years.
The spend for the last financial year (2023/24) was stated to be £230,000, falling to £100,000 in 2024/25; however, £1.5m was earmarked for each of the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.
In October 2023, the business case for the upgrade works, which had initially been agreed in closed session at a Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee meeting, was approved.
A planning proposal that received approval in April 2022 included an extension to the front of the building to create a larger gym area, as well as the creation of a play area at the front of the premises and a MUGA (multi-use games area) pitch to the side.
The previous year, the council adopted a recommendation for major capital investment works at the centre, with the cited costings at that point – £980,465 plus fees – significantly less than the project’s current budget.
