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Welcome to our facility closure frquently asked questions, hopefully you will be able to find the answers you need on this page.
Apologies if you have been directed here after calling one of our facilities, you will appreciate that in the current climate it is very difficult for us to have a telephony system in place.
We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused you and thank you for your patience at this time.
Update on all Council facility closures
Join the getactiveabc mailing list to receive updates
Leisure Facility Closures - Frequently Asked Questions
Why are facilities closed?
We have been advised that in the interests of managing the spread of the Covid 19 virus we should close our Leisure Facilities.
How long will the closures last?
At the moment we are unsure how long the closures will last, we are working closely with the government and we will reopen as soon as we are advised to do so.
Will I still have my direct Debit taken from my bank account even though I can’t use the facility?
All Direct Debits will be suspended and will not recommence until facilities are operational again and fixed term Members have received the appropriate extensions to their membership.
I have paid for a fixed period membership and I can’t use the facility because of the closure
Your membership will be extended to include the period of time that the facility is closed; e.g. if your membership is due to expire in August and the closure lasts 2 months, then your membership will be adjusted to expire in October.
I have paid for a booking due to take place during the closure?
You will be offered the opportunity to re-arrange the activity/booking or a credit towards another activity/booking when the facility re-opens.
Alternatively you will be offered a refund.
How will I know when the facility is due to reopen?
We will be posting updates throughout the period of the closure on social media, in local papers and by email to our members.
I have a voucher that is due to expire soon
Any time sensitive vouchers will be extended when the facilities re-open.
I have paid for swimming lessons, will I be refunded?
At the moment we are planning to reschedule swimming lessons as soon as we are operational again and we will do everything we can to make this work for you.
However, we don’t know when that will be and we appreciate that this will not suit some customers. We will offer a refund if we can’t rearrange.
Are children's activities still taking place ... such as swimming lessons ?
All our children’s activities are suspended and will remain so until further notice.
What happens to my child’s place?
Your child will keep their place when the activity resumes.
Will there be Easter Activity Programmes for young people?
All activities are currently postponed and whilst the length of closure is uncertain at present, it is unlikely that we will be in a position to deliver an Easter Activity Programme this year.
Why are the Parks and Play Area’s closed at this time?
In a bid to protect the citizens of this Borough, all Parks will be closed from Tuesday 24th March 2020. As the situation changes Council will review this decision and this information will be updated as soon as possible.
This decision has been made in the interest of public safety, and to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Council is following advice from the Public Health Authorities guidance relating to social distancing.
Members of the public are asked to observe this advice; please stay home and stay safe.
At the moment the Parks that have been closed are:
Brownstown Park
Clare Glen Caravan Park
Craigavon City Park
Craigavon Golf
Dromore Town Park
Edenvilla Park
Gosford Forest Park Caravan Park
Loughgall County Park Golf Course
Lurgan Public Park
Lord Lurgan Park
Palace Public Park
Portadown Peoples Park
Solitude Park
Carnagh Forest Park
Clare Glen
Corbet Lough
Coney Island
Darkley Forest Park
Gosford Forest Park
Loughgall County Park
Maghery Country Park
Oxford Island
For further information please visit:
getactiveabc – https://getactiveabc.com/news/important-public-notice-faqs/
Council – https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/coronavirus/
PHA – https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
When will Parks re-open?
All Parks will remain closed; however, this decision will be reviewed as the situation changes.
This site will be updated as soon as possible.
For further information please visit:
getactiveabc – https://getactiveabc.com/news/important-public-notice-faqs/
Council – https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/coronavirus/
PHA – https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
I have paid for a birthday party what will happen to this payment?
You will be offered the opportunity to re-arrange the birthday party or a credit will be an offer to use towards another activity/booking when the facility re-opens.
Alternatively, you will be offered a refund; if you would like to request a refund please complete the form here
https://getactiveabc.com/news/important-public-notice-faqs/#refund
**** Please note: Unfortunately, our ability to process a cancellation/refund is very limited at the moment, but once we are operational again we will sort that out for you.
For further information please visit:
getactiveabc – https://getactiveabc.com/news/important-public-notice-faqs/
Council – https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/coronavirus/
PHA – https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
I have paid for an activity/booking for an outdoor activity (including camping and Caravanning)
You will be offered the opportunity to re-arrange the activity/booking or a credit towards another activity/booking when the facility re-opens.
These include snow tubing, skiing, watersports and camping & caravaning.
Alternatively, you will be offered a refund; if you would like to request a refund please complete the form here
https://getactiveabc.com/news/important-public-notice-faqs/#refund
**** Please note: Unfortunately, our ability to process a cancellation/refund is very limited at the moment, but once we are operational again we will sort that out for you.
For further information please visit:
getactiveabc – https://getactiveabc.com/news/important-public-notice-faqs/
Council – https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/coronavirus/
PHA – https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
Are the Council owned Golf courses closed to the public?
Yes, all Council owned golf courses are closed at the moment.
This decision will be reviewed as the situation changes and information will be posted as soon as possible.
For further information please visit:
getactiveabc – https://getactiveabc.com/news/important-public-notice-faqs/
Council – https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/coronavirus/
PHA – https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
I have paid an annual fee to use a Council owned Golf Course what will happen to the payment ?
Your annual fee will be extended to include the period of time that the facility is closed; e.g. if your payment is due to expire in August and the closure lasts 2 months, then this will be adjusted to expire in October.
For further information please visit:
getactiveabc – https://getactiveabc.com/news/important-public-notice-faqs/
Council – https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/coronavirus/
PHA – https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
I have a boat berthed at Kinnego Marina can I have access to it ?
Yes, owners have access to their boats if this is essential.
Boat owners need to remember that they need to lock the gates to the site when entering and leaving the premises.
The council is following advice from the Public Health Authority guidance relating to social distancing, owners are asked to observe this advice if you need to attend your boat for any reason.
However, please remember to stay home if you can and stay safe.
I have paid to berth my boat at Kinnego Marina what will happen to the payment?
Your berth payment will be extended to include the period of time that the facility is closed.
For further information please visit:
getactiveabc – https://getactiveabc.com/news/important-public-notice-faqs/
Council – https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/coronavirus/
PHA – https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
I have paid for an annual parking pass to the outdoor spaces and I do not have access to them now, what will happen with this annual pass?
Your pass will be extended to include the period of time that the facility is closed.
For further information please visit:
getactiveabc – https://getactiveabc.com/news/important-public-notice-faqs/
Council – https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/coronavirus/
PHA – https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
Can I still apply to ABC Sports Forum for a grant?
Applications will still be accepted but there will likely be a delay in processing them due to the uncertainty of approval meetings. Please note that applications for 19/20 should still be received by 30 April 2020 (however, exceptional circumstances will be considered).
I have paid for a Coach Education Course and it’s now postponed?
Your place will be carried over to the re-arranged course.
I have paid for a Senior Sports Award ticket and it’s now postponed?
Your ticket can be carried over to the re-arranged ceremony.
Unfortunately our ability to process a cancellation/refund is very limited at the moment but once we are operational again we will sort that out for you. In the meantime no direct debits/payments will be taken from your account for the period of the closures.
If you would like to request a refund please complete the form here
For more information and Advice: https://bit.ly/3dbujOU
Important Public Notice
To support the Government strategy in relation to Covid-19 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has taken the decision to close all its public buildings to the general public from tomorrow 18.03.20. This includes all Leisure, Sport and Recreation Centres, Community Centres, Tourism, Arts and Culture Facilities and all Town Halls.
The Council will endeavour to provide key services for the citizens of the Borough, and will work to maintain essential delivery to support the local community and businesses during this challenging time.
Application Processes
The three main Civic Buildings, The Palace Demesne Armagh, The Civic Building Banbridge, and the Civic Centre Craigavon will remain open to the public for priority services such as:
- Births, Deaths & Marriages
- Application processes including Planning, Building Control, Dog Licencing etc.
- Environmental Health queries
Access for the public to these buildings will be managed in line with Public Health Agency (PHA) guidance, and social distancing will apply.
Waste Collection & Environmental Services
- All household waste collections will function as normal, with Recycling Centres remaining open.
- Bins should be left out the night before collections as times of collections may vary. Bulky waste collection requests have now been suspended.
- Street cleansing may be impacted and we remind people to act responsibly.
Access to Public Areas
- All parks, open spaces and play parks will remain open for community health and wellbeing. However, bowling pavilions, outdoor pitches, tennis courts and changing areas will all close.
- All Public Toilets will be closed, with the exception of those available in public parks.
Conferences, Programmes & Events
- In the interest of public safety, all Council Conferences and events will be cancelled or postponed until further notice.
- All programmes delivered externally will be postponed until further notice.
Memberships & Swimming Lessons
- As our leisure and sports facilities will be closed, all ‘paid in full’ members will have their membership term extended to reflect the closure.
- All direct debit memberships will be suspended until further notice and where possible collections scheduled for the 1 and 15 April stopped.
- Direct debits collected by Pulse Fitness for Cascades Leisure Complex will be suspended as soon as possible and credit will be given to Members when the centres reopen.
- Direct Debits will not recommence until facilities are operational again and members have received the appropriate extensions to their membership.
- All centre programmes and courses such as swimming lessons will resume when facilities reopen.
Given the exceptional circumstances there may be an impact on service delivery, however every effort will be made to ensure continuity where possible.
For further information please telephone: 0300 0300 900
Email:
Log on to www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/coronavirus
More information: https://bit.ly/3b7fuex
MONEYPENNY’S FORGE OPEN DAY
Saturday 14th March, 11.00am – 3.30pm, Admission FREE
Dust off the cobwebs and Spring into Action at Moneypenny’s Forge. Come on and try fun free activities of all kinds featuring:
| · Blacksmithing | · Wood turning |
| · Farrier demonstration | · Fresh soda making |
| · Bushcraft | · Coracle display |
| · Archery | · Live spray art |
| · Bladesmithing | · Live music |
| · Leather work | · Face painting |
For further information or to book please contact:
Jonny Kerr, Moneypenny’s Forge, Horseshoe Lane, Portadown, BT62 3RS
CAN YOU HELP TO SAVE LIVES?
In order to most effectively roll out this programme to the community; we require volunteers from sports clubs and sporting organisations with an interest in training others to register their interest in delivering Emergency Life Support (ELS) training (including CPR) as a Heartstart Instructor and cascade this vital lifesaving information to their communities. A Heartstart Instructor will follow a ‘train the trainer’ concept where ELS training sessions across sporting organisations will be planned and delivered.
If you are interested, can you please contact Laura O’Hagan at or on Tel: 028 40660637 for an Expression of interest form.
Deadline for returning completed Expression of Interest forms is 28th February 2020 at 5:00pm
With Spring on the way and the lighter mornings and evenings coming in, now is a brilliant time to sign up to Cascades Weight Loss Boot Camp!
The first camp this year was a huge success and the next will begin on Tuesday 25th February from 6.30am to 7.30am and Friday 6pm to 7pm.
Places are limited and will be on a first come first served basis. The camp will last for six weeks and measurements will be taken at the start and the end – plus you’ll earn a t-shirt on completion!
Cost is £10 for members and £40 for non-members.
Contact Cascades on 028 3833 2802 to register your place now!
Frequently asked Customer Question and Answers
Closing and opening dates:
| Question | Answer |
| When will the buildings close:
Waves CLC Cascades |
Waves closes Sat 20th June 2020 Craigavon closes Sat 4th July 2020 Cascades closes Fri 14th August 2020 |
| Why is Waves closing first? | Waves is the oldest of the three and is currently in the poorest condition. |
| Why not keep CLC open rather than Cascades as it more central? | CLC has the smallest pool and we want to be able to continue with a swim programme up until SLLC opens. Cascades provides the best opportunity for this. |
| Why is there a gap between Waves/CLC closing and SLLC opening? | We need to properly train the staff on all the new systems and operating procedures before SLLC can open. Some of this can be done prior to handover of the building to ABC and we want to start this asap, but some has to wait until we are on-site. Also July is a very busy holiday period so some staff will be on leave and unavailable for training. |
| Why close the centres over the summer holidays when people want to use the leisure centres? | We need to properly train staff on all the systems and operating procedures before SLLC can open. The building will be handed over to council on 3rd July; and we want to open it to the public asap after that. This means that the other centres have to close to release staff for training. |
| When will SLLC open? | Saturday 15th August 2020. |
| What will happen to the buildings being closed | They will be secured. The Council is currently considering options. |
SLLC building - General
| Question | Answer |
| What is the opening and closing times for SLLC? | Please see Appendix 1. |
| Car parking – how many available spaces? | There are 360 available spaces. |
| How many disability parking spaces are available? | 28 spaces are available. |
| Booths to book classes? | Yes, there will be booths to swipe in and out so that customers do not have to go to reception. |
| Guide dog/service dog in the building? | Yes, guide and service dogs will be allowed in to the new SLLC building as is the case across the borough – the procedure for this will need to be considered. |
| Will be applying for a Disability excellence award for SLLC? | Council will be going forward for a disability excellence award for SLLC once it opens. |
| Are there any changing places available in the SLLC building? | There are two changing places available in the new SLLC building – one in the wet side and one in the dry side. |
| Are there public toilets available? | Public toilets are available in the SLLC building in the reception area. |
| Will there be free wi-fi for customers? | Yes. |
| Will there be a bus service to transport people from the town centres of Lurgan & Portadown to SLLC. If so will it run regularly each day and cover the opening and closing times of SLLC? | There is a bus service that runs from each of the town centres past SLLC. We will work with Translink to identify any gaps in service. See Appendix 4 |
| Is there a buggy park available? | Yes, a buggy park is available in SLLC. |
| Will there be renewable energy sources for the building? | A roof-mounted (photovoltaic) system;
This system is a grid connected PV installation comprising of a roof mounted array of thirty panels with a total area of 6m x 11m |
Membership
| When can you buy a membership? | Membership for SLLC can be purchased May 2020
|
| What memberships are available? | Membership all sites gym/classes , Membership specific sites gym/classes , swimming only, health & beauty suite + gym/classes, Junior membership, terms of family membership still to be agreed. |
| Will there be a gap in membership when the three current buildings close to make way for SLLC? | There will be a gap in membership when the C/Avon buildings close and the new building opens:
Waves closes Sat 20th June 2020 Craigavon closes Sat 4th July 2020 Cascades closes Fri 14th August 2020 SLLC opens 15th August 2020 |
| Can we freeze memberships? | Yes, memberships can be frozen if the customer requests this but they will not be able to use any of the centres whilst their membership is frozen. |
| Will I have to do an induction in each gym? | Only one induction will need to be carried out, as all gym equipment Is the same across all of the gyms in the Borough. |
| Is there a family membership? | This is still being considered |
| Is there a junior membership? | There is a junior membership that can be paid for by DD |
| Gap in membership when a building closes until SLLC opens – compensation? | Customers have the choice to either retain their membership or have use of all the other facilities across the borough for a £10 reduction on the monthly rate or to freeze their membership until SLLC opens. |
| What will happen to my cash monthly/annual membership when my centre closes? | This will be frozen if the customer requests this or alternatively a refund can be given. |
| Will I be able to use one of the other centres including Banbridge, Dromore, Gilford and Armagh when my centre closes? | Yes, customers will be offered the use of another centre of their choice. |
| Can I freeze my membership when my centre closes until SLLC opens without any penalty? | Yes, you can freeze your membership.There will be no penalty. |
| My membership currently includes use of the health suite will there be a package which includes use of Health suite in SLLC? | Yes, there will be a membership that includes use of the health & beauty suite. |
| How long will Waves be closed before SLLC is open? | There will be an 8 week gap until SLLC is open. |
| If I take out a new yearly membership, will it be carried forward and if the pool is closed, can I get an extension on my membership if I do not want to use other Council facilities. | Customers have the choice to either retain their membership and have use of all the other facilities across the borough for a £10 reduction on the their monthly rate or to freeze their membership until SLLC opens. |
Soft Play
| Question | Answer |
| Opening times of soft play | These are still to be agreed. |
| Can the soft play be booked exclusively for a birthday party | Yes, although prices are still to be determined. |
| Is there an age limit for the soft play area | This is still to be agreed. |
| Will this area need to be supervised by staff | No, staff will not supervise this area. |
Sensory Room
| Question | Answer |
| Who can use the sensory room | Anyone who feels their child would benefit from this calming, sensory area are welcome to avail of it. |
| Will the sensory be open at all times | The sensory room will be available during opening hours. |
| Is there a charge for using the room | No. |
SLLC building - Wet side
General Queries
| Question | Answer |
| Will over 60’s still get free swimming during public swim times? | Yes, this will continue. |
| Is there village style changing rooms available? | There are village style changing rooms that serves 50mt, 20mt and leisure water. |
| What is the disability access to the pools? | There is a pool pod available at the 50mt pool
Pool hoist 20 mt pool. |
| Are there family changing rooms available? | There are 5 family rooms available. |
| Adult to child ratio when swimming? | This will remain unchanged. |
| Can swimming lessons be paid for by DD? | Yes, this option will be available and those children in the swimming lessons will be able to swim free during public swim times. |
| Swimming lesson prices? | The swimming lesson prices will have a concession price for those parents who fall in to these categories. |
Leisure Water
| Question | Answer |
| Age for using leisure water? | The leisure water can be used by children up to the age of 8yrs. |
| Can the leisure water be booked exclusively for a birthday party? | This is still to be clarified. |
Health Suite
| Question | Answer |
| Is there an age limit for using the health & beauty suite? | This is still to be clarified. |
| Will the health & beauty suite be available for bookings for a private party e.g. hen parties … | Yes, this will be available for private functions. |
| Will robes be made available for users? | Yes. |
| Will customer be able to use the health suite after a swim? | Yes, but they have to pay for this option or have a membership to do so. |
| Is there a max number of users allowed in the health suite? | This will be clarified at a later date. |
50 mt Pool
| Question | Answer |
| How many booms are there in this pool? | There are two booms, one that traverses from the right hand side to the left and the other rises from the pool deck. |
| Total wet changing capacity? | 119 people. |
| Will there always be pubic swimming sessions available when the pool is open? | There will always be public swimming available when the pool is open. |
| When will the pool be configured into 50mts? | The programme of activities is being worked on now; this information will be shared as soon as possible. |
| When will the swimming clubs be using the pool? | Each of the swimming clubs in the borough were asked to put forward their request for the times that they want to use the pool; these are currently being considered. |
| Is there a timing system available in the pool hall? | Yes, there will be a timing system in the pool. |
| What is the capacity of the viewing gallery? | 280 people. |
20mt pool
| Question | Answer |
| Will water aerobics be held in this pool | Yes, water aerobics will be held in this pool. |
| Will this be available for public swimming | Yes, the area will be provided for public swimming when required. |
| What is the depth | 0.9-1.2m. |
SLLC building - Dry side
Rooms
| Question | Answer |
| Will there be a birthday party package – what will this be? | Yes, prices are still to be agreed. |
| Can you book a birthday party on line? | Yes, we aim to have birthday parties bookings available on line. |
| Can customers bring in their own food to a birthday party? | No. We will have a café available on site. |
| Letting policy – for rooms? | This will have to be considered. |
| How many activity rooms are available? | Level 0 – Reception level
· Room 1A; 52.22m2 · Room 1B; 60.03m2 o Both rooms can be opened up to form a single room · Room 2; 88.75m2 · Room 3; 77.47m2 o Both rooms can be opened up to form a single room
Level 2 – Gym/Health Suite level · Studio 02; 166.71m2 · Studio 07; 135.65m2 o Both rooms can be opened up to form a single room. |
Squash Courts
| Question | Answer |
| How many squash courts are there? | 2 squash courts with a glass back.
There is a moveable wall between courts. |
| Where are the squash courts in the building? | They are in the reception area. |
| Is there a viewing area? | There is a viewing area to the rear. |
Main Hall
| Question | Answer |
| Will existing customers be accommodated in the main hall? | Yes, existing customers will be accommodated and will be spoken to individually. |
| Will there be availability for new groups/clubs/org? | Yes, there should be availability for others/new customers. |
| Is there a block booking policy for the main hall? | A new block booking policy is being worked on at the moment. |
| Is there a timing system in the hall? | Yes, there is a timing system in the hall. |
| How many courts are available in the hall? | There are 8 full size badminton courts. |
| Is there a viewing gallery in the hall? | There is no viewing gallery; however, there are viewing points. |
| Is there seating available in the hall for spectators? | There is bleacher seating available in the hall. |
| What i flooring is being used? | Compacted Beachwood. |
| What markings will be on the floor? | Basketball, badminton, boccia, futsal, netball, volleyball.
Height adjustable basketball goals are being provided. |
| Electronic timing system? | There is a scoreboard being provided. |
Gym/Spin/Dance studio
| Question | Answer |
| How many spin bikes are available? | 45 will be available in the room.
|
| What is the classes timetable? | This is being considered at the moment. |
Opening and Closing Times for SLLC
| Fitness Suite | |
| Monday – Friday | 06:00 – 22:00 |
| Saturday & Sunday | 08:00 – 19:00 |
| Dry Side | |
| Monday – Friday | 09:00 – 22:00 |
| Saturday & Sunday | 09:00 – 19:00 |
| Main Pool | |
| Monday – Friday | 06:00 – 22:00 |
| Saturday & Sunday | 08:00 – 19:00 |
| Learner Pool | |
| Monday – Friday | 09:00 – 22:00 |
| Saturday & Sunday | 09:00 – 19:00 |
| Café – Under Review | |
| Monday – Friday | 09:00 – 21:00 |
| Saturday & Sunday | 11:00 – 19:00 |
| Health Suite – Under Review | |
| Monday – Friday | 11:00 – 22:00 |
| Saturday & Sunday | 10:00 – 19:00 |
Membership Prices
| Swim only membership | ||
| All Facilities | £19.95 |
| Gym/swim and classes | ||
| Premier | All Facilities | £29.95 |
| Standard | Tier 2 facilities | £22.00 |
| Junior | Juniors 12 – 16 | £16.00 |
| Junior | Juniors Under 12 | £12.00 |
| Thermal spa (SLLC only) | Bolt on to membership | £15.00 |
Swimming
| Standard | Concession | Over 60 and under 4 | ||
| Public swimming | Swim | £3.90 | £2.50 | FREE |
| Family swim | £11.00 | £7.10 | ||
| Fun pool sessions | Per visit | £4.00 | £3.50 | |
| Per visit toddler time | £6.00 |
| Swimming lessons | Standard | Concession | |
| Junior per lesson | £6.00 | £24.00 DD | |
| Adult per lesson | £6.00 | ||
| Parent & Toddler session | £6.00 | ||
| 1 – 1 Lessons 30 min | £25.00 | £20.00 |
Any child in Council swimming lessons can avail of public swimming free of charge.
| Exercise Classes | Standard | Concession | |
| 45m Class and over | £6.25 | £4.00 | |
| 45m Class and under | £4.00 | £3.00 |
Concession Rates
It has been agreed that the following groups be entitled to a concessionary rate:
| Concessionary Group | Entitlement Criteria
( which may be requested) |
| Adults of 60 years of age and over | Documentary proof of identification and age |
| Children of 17 years and under | Documentary proof of identification and age |
| Students | Documentary proof of student status |
| Children of 4 years of age and under | Documentary proof of identification and age |
| Disabled People | Receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or holder of a ‘Blue Badge’ |
| Unemployed People | Those in receipt of benefits (this does not include child benefit)
(Documentary proof required (proof to be produced every 2 months) |
** Free public swimming for Under 4’s, Over 60’s those with a disability and for accompanying carers.
Bus Timetable
Six month countdown to completion of flagship South Lake Leisure Centre
Northern Ireland’s newest public leisure facility will officially open in August 2020 following an on-track 2 year build and a multi-million-pound investment.
The largest capital project to date undertaken by ABC Council, and among the largest in Northern Ireland, the new multi-use sports and leisure complex represents a major new flagship health and wellbeing destination.
The stunning new leisure facility will welcome visitors from across the borough and beyond to its new 50-metre pool, a young children’s indoor leisure water feature, a 1,000m2 state-of-the-art gym, multiple studios, sensory room, eight-court sports halls, spin studio, soft play area and an on-site café.
The cutting-edge facility also incorporates an outdoor water sports provision offering a wide range of water based activities including windsurfing, water skiing and paddle sports.
The scale of South Lake Leisure Centre has also been future-proofed to meet the needs of a growing population and rising demand for a range of leisure, amateur and professional sporting enthusiasts.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mealla Campbell, said:
“With a confirmed opening date only six months away, I’m delighted that this stunning new centre which will have fabulous facilities for everyone in the borough to access and enjoy, is almost complete.
South Lake Leisure Centre provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform and dramatically enhance the quality of health and leisure provision within the borough, providing community access for everyone to the best facilities available in the UK and Ireland.”
The new centre will also provide a competitive range of flexible membership and customer schemes allowing easy and affordable access on a one-off or longer term basis so that everyone can enjoy the new facility in a way that suits their lifestyle and budget.
The new membership arrangements will give customers access to all eight council-owned indoor leisure facilities for £29.95 per month – a reduction from the current membership scheme.
Award-winning construction company Farrans has been spearheading the transformative build since initial enabling works got under way early in 2018, creating 500 jobs on site during construction as part of a project which has delivered at least £6.5 million in direct wages to the local economy.
As part of the preparations to pave the way for the official opening of South Lake Leisure Centre, interim arrangements have also been agreed for the planned phase-out of nearby leisure facilities in Portadown (Cascade Leisure Centre), Lurgan (Waves Leisure Complex) and Brownlow (Craigavon Leisure Centre).
These facilities, which are approaching the end of their functional life, will continue to remain open to the public until late June and into August to ensure a seamless transition and to accommodate staff training and orientation of the new centre.
Waves in Lurgan will continue to operate as normal until closing on Saturday 20th June. Craigavon Leisure Centre will remain open until Saturday 4th July and Cascades will remain open until Friday 14th August before SLLC opens on Saturday 15th August.
*Craigavon Watersports Centre will remain open at its current location as normal throughout the summer, migrating to the new leisure centre in September 2020.
For questions, queries or updates please email
The eagerly awaited shortlist has been announced for the 2020 Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Senior Sports Awards which will take place on Thursday 19 March at Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre.
Organised by the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum in association with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and sponsored by Rushmere Shopping Centre, the awards recognise the wealth of sporting talent across the borough and celebrate the achievements of those who have excelled in their chosen sport.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Mealla Campbell, said, “With 38 shortlisted nominations across nine categories this is a superb indication of the abundance and vibrancy of sporting talent across the borough. Each nominee should be extremely proud of their achievements and I look forward to the awards ceremony to pass on my congratulations to all those shortlisted.”
The following nominees have been shortlisted with the winners announced at the awards ceremony.
| Category | Name (Sport) |
| Sports Person with a Physical or Sensory Disability |
Scott Cromie (Boccia) Niall McVeigh (Para Badminton) Chris Burns (Para Cycling) Brian Leneghan (Visually Impaired Tennis) |
| Sports Person with a Learning Disability | Thomas Skelly (Alpine Skiing) Jill Connery (Golf) |
| Sportswoman of the Year | Orla O’Connor (Archery) Emma Mitchell (Athletics) Kelly Mallon (Camogie, Gaelic Football & Road Bowls) Liz Dermott (Fly Fishing) Courtney Morris (Karate) Bethany Barr (Hockey) |
| Sportsman of the Year | Mark Nesbitt (Archery) Mark Downey (Cycling) Philip Doyle (Rowing) Russell White (Triathlon) |
| Senior Team of the Year | Aghaderg GAC, Senior Camogie Team Armagh Harps GFC, Senior Ladies Gaelic Football Team Craigavon Aztecs Volleyball Club, Aztecs Eagles Mens Team Dunbarton Bowling Club, Junior Team Hanover Football Club, Senior Men’s 1st XI St Mark’s Bowling Club, Fours Team Tandragee Golf Club, Jimmy Bruen Team |
| Senior Coach of the Year | Steven Hyndes (Football) Kevin Broderick (Karate) Paddy McShane (Ladies Gaelic Football) Callum Grieve (Volleyball) |
| Service to Sport | Deidre McGrath (Camogie/Gaelic Games) Brian Cairns (Cycling) Calvin Rowe (Rugby) |
| Volunteer | Paul Hannigan (Cycling) Connor Campbell (Disability Sports) Colin McDonnell (Karate) Caroline Meenan (Rugby) |
| Club of the Year | Banbridge Golf Club Craigavon Aztecs Volleyball Club Dunbarton Bowling Club Lurgan Rugby Football and Cricket Club |
For further information contact Sarah Aiken, Assistant Sports Development Officer T: 028 3883 1690 or E: