By Ryan Sands
Consultants tasked with progressing the development of new leisure facilities at the Newcastle Centre are now in place.
In a statement released on Thursday, the council confirmed the appointment of Belfast-based McAdam Design as the integrated consultancy team (ICT) to design and deliver the leisure centre facility — reportedly set to cost £12m — at the town centre site. This comes two months after the local authority rubberstamped a committee recommendation to proceed to this stage of the project.
The council statement highlighted that the ICT will begin work by coordinating a comprehensive programme of public consultation, ensuring the views of local residents, businesses, community groups, stakeholders and sports clubs play a central role in shaping the future of the centre.
“The redevelopment has the potential to deliver a high-quality, multi-purpose facility that meets the needs of the local community, supports health, fitness and wellbeing, and enhances Newcastle’s appeal as a destination for visitors, while contributing to wider economic and tourism benefits across the district,” the statement read.
Council chairperson Philip Campbell said the appointment of McAdam Design “marks a significant milestone for the redevelopment of the Newcastle Centre”.
“This is real progress for the people of Newcastle and the wider district,” he added. “Importantly, this next phase gives the public an opportunity to have their say on what they want from this facility. I look forward to seeing McAdam Design work with the community to turn this shared vision into a modern, vibrant centre that will serve generations to come.”
McAdam Design managing director Martin Hare said the firm is “delighted” to have been appointed. “This is a highly significant project for Newcastle and the wider district, and one that presents an exciting opportunity to create a modern, inclusive and sustainable community facility,” he said.
“Public engagement will be central to our approach. We are committed to working closely with local residents, businesses, stakeholders and the council to ensure the final design reflects local priorities and aspirations, and we look forward to progressing this project from consultation through to delivery.”
Further details on the public consultation, which is set to commence in the spring, will be made available in due course.
