By Ryan Sands
A Mournes councillor has said that the people of Newcastle deserve more than “another Tropicana with a roof on.” Jill Truesdale (Alliance) voiced her concern about the planned new Newcastle Centre leisure facilities after details about what is being considered entered the public domain.
She stated that Mournes councillors were previously – and confidentially – shown concept plans of a Newcastle leisure centre on the basis that these would be made known “in due course.” However, given that “details seem to have emerged in recent days,” the local representative has now highlighted her apprehensions about what the new leisure centre will consist of, the lack of associated parking, and her fear that this could be “another council project that will progress without consideration of residents and visitors” and without a public consultation.
Cllr Truesdale pointed out recently publicised details that “the leisure centre consists of an indoor leisure pool, a three-lane pool, a heated play pool and a gym.” “The very last thing I or the people of Newcastle want is another Tropicana with a roof on,” she said. “We deserve a full-sized leisure centre as our community swimming pool.”
She added, “A full-sized swimming pool would greatly enhance our living experience here as well as that of our many visitors between March to August. Indeed, now caravan parks have the option to open off-season at weekends, our visitor numbers remain high all year.”
“In addition, we have many people travelling to Downpatrick to train in their swimming clubs and to carry out lifeguard qualifications – this all requires a full-sized swimming pool to give everyone equal space.”
The councillor added that a larger pool would “provide more space for families and individuals” and allow for the hosting of fitness programmes – such as water aerobics and swimming lessons – and the Physical Activity Referral Scheme, which provides a programme of exercise for referred patients.
She also confirmed that she “raised questions around the lack of parking at a town centre leisure centre.” “I fully support active travel but coming out of a swim session in winter with small children and all that it entails – to have to catch a bus or walk a good distance to your car – is not experienced at other leisure centres,” Cllr Truesdale stated. “Why should we? Those who can cycle and walk will, but we have to take others into account who can’t. Blue badge holders and those with hidden disabilities also have to be considered. There must be a balance between supporting active travel and supporting people to actually get to a leisure centre to improve their health. We also have to remember we live on an island where it rains a lot, and we live in a town that experiences almost constant wind.”
The Mournes representative concluded: “I absolutely believe a leisure centre is a worthwhile investment, and many of us have for decades. It could significantly improve resident and visitor satisfaction enormously, but we cannot accept second best after waiting so long. Location is key, size is key, and parking is crucial.”
Last week, the council’s Active and Healthy Communities (AHC) Committee was told that the procurement process for appointing integrated consultancy teams for the Newcastle leisure centre project and for the restoration of the town’s Rock Pool is under way.
Whilst no official costings for these projects have been made available, there have been reports that the leisure centre could cost £12 million and the Rock Pool £6 million.
The council was contacted for comment in relation to Cllr Truesdale’s remarks. It was asked if it’s the case that the plans include an indoor leisure pool, a three-lane pool, a heated play pool and a gym, and if there’s a possibility that different options – such as a full-sized pool – will be considered in future. It was also asked to confirm if the plans include no car parking and if it’s envisaged that the planned Newcastle travel hub park and ride facility could be utilised for the leisure centre.
Its response read: “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council remains committed to progressing the redevelopment of the Newcastle Centre. Preparatory work is ongoing to appoint an integrated consultancy team to progress the project through design, consultation and the planning application process. The council is committed to exploring viable and sustainable redevelopment. A more detailed timescale will be developed once the consultancy team is appointed and work begins on design and planning. The scope of work and associated costs will be determined through the design and technical assessment phase.”
To read the digital edition, download the Mourne Observer app – for apple click here – for android click here
