The commencement of refurbishment works at Kilkeel Leisure Centre has been delayed until September. In May, the council confirmed that the £3.3m facility modernisation project – which is expected to take 12 months to complete – would begin in July; however, a social media post on Monday revealed that works will now start two months later than planned.
It stated that “Kilkeel Leisure Centre will now remain open throughout the summer months, with a new closure date set for September 2025.” The post added, “That means a full summer of fun, fitness and activities – all from your local leisure centre!”
Children’s summer multisport camps will be relocated to the facility from Mourne Esplanade’s pitches, and these will run during the weeks beginning 21 July, 28 July, 4 August and 11 August. The centre will also host crash course swimming lessons, junior lifeguard training, autism-friendly swim sessions and £1 swims for kids.
There will be discounted sports hall and court hire and Be Active and commercial fitness classes, as well as full access to the gym, halls and courts throughout the summer. “Information on how to book any of the activities above will be available on social media from next week,” the post concluded. “For our members and clubs, all current bookings and arrangements can continue as normal, pending your preference over the summer months.”
Posting about the delay announcement, Mournes DUP councillor Glyn Hanna stated that he has been assured the refurbishment will “be finished by the end of August 2026.” He added, “This will now allow the leisure centre to stay open longer over the summer. I can assure you all I will keep the pressure on council to deliver the refurbishment on time.”
The local authority’s May statement said that, with the refurbishment, residents can look forward to enhanced facilities. These will include: an upgraded reception area for centre users; extended state-of-the-art health and fitness gyms and equipment; new studio space for group fitness classes; upgrades to pool facilities and new changing lockers; enhanced family wet and dry changing facilities; enhanced wet and dry accessible changing facilities; and ample parking, including accessible spaces and cycle parking.
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