PROJECTS to develop new Newcastle leisure facilities and restore the town’s historic Rock Pool are progressing towards the planning stage, according to a local councillor.
In a statement issued on Monday, Willie Clarke (Sinn Féin) said that a Strategic Finance Working Group recommendation to “approve the investment requirements necessary to advance the Newcastle Centre (leisure centre) and Rock Pool projects to RIBA Stage 3 (Developed Design)” will be tabled at next month’s meeting of the Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee.
He added that an endorsement of this would “pave the way for planning applications” to be submitted.
“The redevelopment of the Newcastle Centre and Rock Pool has been identified as a priority in both the council’s corporate plan and the Active and Healthy Communities (AHC) annual business plan,” the Mournes representative highlighted.
“It is crucial that we allocate the necessary budget within the council’s capital programme to move these vital projects forward.
“Significant progress has already been made, with concept designs and a draft business case developed for the Newcastle Centre.
“The Rock Pool redevelopment is a key project slated for delivery in the council’s corporate plan and AHC business plan for 2024/25.
“It is encouraging to see us moving closer to submitting a planning application for the full restoration of the Rock Pool.
“The proposed new leisure centre needs to feature indoor water facilities, including a family-friendly pleasure pool and multiple swimming lanes, and is now progressing to the design stage, in preparation for planning applications.
“The refurbishment of the Rock Pool is also advancing, allowing the council to explore external funding opportunities.”
On the Rock Pool, Cllr Clarke stated that his party is “committed to supporting the full restoration of this historic asset”.
“The Rock Pool is at the heart of Newcastle’s ‘Old Town’ and plays a vital role in preserving our built heritage,” he concluded.
“It must be protected, restored, and enjoyed by our community.”
In 2021, the council agreed to appoint an economist to complete a business case for the Newcastle Centre project and a consultant team to provide design and cost information.
A rear extension of the building was demolished in 2022, though, in late 2023, the AHC Committee was advised that council officers were still reviewing the outline business case.
An official costing estimate has not been made public by the council.
In November 2022, the AHC Committee was told that Rock Pool restoration works could cost in excess of £3m.
Repair options emanating from a remedial works study included a short-term option (£965,000), a medium-term option (£2.2m) and a long-term option (£3.03m).
The long-term option – which would safeguard the Rock Pool for 50 years – would involve the reconstruction of its sea defence system, which would involve piling, and the use of rock armour and concrete slab capping.
These new flood defence systems would be ‘designed to mitigate against long-term marine flood risks’.
Structural repairs would include the demolition of existing walls, the provision of new reinforced concrete perimeter walling on three sides, and the demolition of the existing ramp and the provision of a new one.
Repair costs are anticipated to have increased significantly since the presentation of the report two years ago.
