HOPES for a multi-million-pound leisure centre in Newcastle and the redevelopment of the town’s historic Rock Pool have taken a step forward.
Plans for the redevelopment of the Newcastle Centre were outlined during a briefing with local councillors on Friday. These concept drawings include plans for an indoor swimming pool.
The news has been welcomed by councillors Laura Devlin, Willie Clarke and Glyn Hanna, who all say the area’s residents have waited far too long for such a facility to be developed.
The briefing also discussed the town’s historic Rock Pool, which has not been able to open for several years.
During the meeting, it was confirmed that council officers will seek funding to carry our further testing and studies around how the seawater pool, at the southern end of the town, could be reopened.
Speaking after the briefing, Cllr Devlin acknowledged that the plan to redevelop the Newcastle Centre “has literally been years in the making” and was “not before time”.
“We were presented with concept drawings for a new redeveloped centre, and I am delighted that these new plans include a swimming pool as well as a wet fun area for children, among other much-needed facilities.
“For too long the people of Newcastle and our surrounding area have waited patiently for council to move on a new centre so I am delighted to see plans on paper and a recommendation to move to the next stage with an associated timeline.”
Acknowledging that the situation has not been straightforward, the SDLP representative continued: “I know we have been here before, and many people have lost faith, but I do feel that there is now a definitive direction of travel.
“Officers will now seek approval within the next two months for the funding to move forward with detailed designs, public consultation and ultimately a planning application.”
In terms of the Rock Pool, Mrs Devlin said that her suggestion to council last autumn, to create a tidal pool, which would be filled at highwater, “was a non-runner”.
“The surveys that were undertaken reported that the pool would rapidly silt up and require it to be dredged very regularly,” she explained.
“So, as a group of councillors we agreed for officers to seek funding to carry out further testing and studies around how redeveloping and reopening the pool is possible, taking into consideration where the pool water will go and the other complexities.
“Right across the world, sea pools are being redeveloped and reopened. I don’t accept that this cannot happen in terms of the Rock Pool. There has to be design solutions to the issues that we face.
“I know local people are very frustrated with the delays involved here. as am I. However, I remain committed to securing a resolution. Officers will seek funding within the next number of weeks and progress these further investigations from there. I will do my utmost to keep people informed.”
Cllr Clarke confirmed “the delivery of a new leisure centre with indoor water facilities, featuring a pleasure pool for families and several swimming lanes, will now progress to the design stage and preparation for a planning application.”
The Sinn Féin representative also confirmed “the refurbishment of the Rock Pool is also advancing, enabling the council to investigate external funding” for the “full restoration of this historic asset”.
Describing the seawater pool as being “at the heart of the ‘Old Town’ in Newcastle”, he said it “plays a vital role in maintaining built heritage in the historical area”.
Cllr Clarke added: “It must be protected, restored, and enjoyed by the local community. Having engaged with the community here in Newcastle, it is clear the importance of the Rock Pool, not only for its social significance but also its historical roots within the community.
“As a councillor, I have continually supported the Rock Pool and blocked proposals to close it on an annual basis. I welcome the ongoing discussions with consultees, including NIEA and NI Water, regarding the permissions required to restore this asset for public benefit.”
Cllr Hanna said he was “happy there is now movement on Newcastle leisure centre” as “the people of Newcastle have waited 25 years, which is a disgrace”.
He added: “We were briefed on the design of the new centre, and I am very impressed. I want movement to get planning permission secured as soon as possible and the project constructed and open soon. My estimates of cost will not be far away, but it will take a few years to see the leisure centre delivered.”
The DUP politician added that the Rock Pool “is a big project which I support”, with the caveat that this would be “only if it is properly restored, with as much funding as possible secured from external sources”.
He also believes the leisure centre project should be prioritised.