'There has been considerable work to get the project to this point': Multi-million Northern Ireland leisure centre plans reach planning stage
The proposed Strabane facility will replace Riversdale Leisure Centre and include an eight-lane swimming pool, spa facilities, squash courts and a large fitness suite
Plans for a new state-of-the-art leisure centre in Strabane have reached another important milestone with the submission of a planning application for the proposed development at the Canal Basin to Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Governance and Strategic Planning Committee were this week informed that the submission of the planning application follows an extensive period of public engagement on the proposals and that feedback received through the consultation process has helped to inform the design and proposed mix of facilities within the new centre, ensuring the plans reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who will use it.
The proposed Strabane Leisure Centre will replace the existing Riversdale Leisure Centre with a modern, accessible and future-focused facility designed to meet the health, wellbeing and leisure needs of the local community.
Located on a prominent town-centre site bounded by Canal Link, Dock Street and Derry Road, the new centre will play an important role in the wider regeneration of the Canal Basin and Strabane town centre.
Outlined in a detailed paper at the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee this week, elected members were provided details of the extensive programme of engagement and consultation and how the proposals have been shaped by feedback gathered from residents, sports clubs, community organisations, governing bodies and equality groups over the course of the project.
An earlier public consultation involving more than 700 people resulted in significant enhancements to the proposed facility mix, including the inclusion of a larger eight-lane swimming pool and double squash courts. As part of the formal pre-planning consultation process, the Council undertook a wide-ranging programme of engagement, including public information events, stakeholder meetings and an online consultation. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 77% of survey respondents expressing support for the proposed development. Respondents highlighted the importance of high-quality swimming facilities, accessible design, family-friendly amenities and opportunities for wider community use. Young people who participated in a dedicated youth survey also voiced strong support for the project, particularly for enhanced leisure water facilities, fitness provision, social spaces and inclusive design features.
Subject to the planning process, the proposed facilities include a 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool and training pool including a children’s play area and steam and sauna facilities. It will feature spa facilities, including treatment rooms, infrared sauna and vitality pool as well as a café and foyer and a squash court. There will be multi-purpose rooms and studios as well as a large fitness suite and a dedicated spin studio. The new centre will create exciting opportunities to expand sports, health and wellbeing programmes for people of all ages and abilities. The enhanced facilities will support initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes, encouraging greater participation in physical activity and helping residents to lead healthier, more active lifestyles.
The leisure centre forms an integral part of the wider Strabane Town Centre Regeneration Project being developed through the Derry~Londonderry and Strabane City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund programme. Significantly, it is the first major planning application to come forward for the transformational Canal Basin regeneration site and marks an important milestone in bringing forward the long-term vision for this key strategic location at the heart of Strabane. The project will sit alongside the proposed new Health Hub and North West Regional College campus, creating an innovative town-centre destination focused on health, wellbeing, education and community development. The development will also strengthen connections with the wider active travel network, including links to the greenway network, helping to create a more accessible and connected town centre for residents and visitors alike. It is a partnership being led by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Western Health and Social Care Trust, North West Regional College, the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) and the Department for Communities.
The town-centre location of the new leisure centre will provide an opportunity to bring increased activity and footfall into the Canal Basin while supporting the wider regeneration of Strabane town centre. Together with existing cultural and civic assets including the Alley Theatre and Strabane Library, the development will help create an attractive and vibrant destination where people can access leisure, education, health and cultural services alongside local shopping opportunities. Improved pedestrian routes enhanced public realm, a new pedestrian bridge and stronger links with surrounding neighbourhoods will contribute to transforming the Canal Basin into a more active, connected and accessible part of the town.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais welcomed the submission: “It is good news to see the plans for the new Strabane Leisure Centre reach this important stage. There has been considerable work to get the project to this point, including valuable engagement with the local community, whose feedback has helped inform the development of the proposals.
"The new leisure centre is a hugely important element of the wider regeneration of the Canal Basin and our City Deal investment in Strabane. We are now seeing these transformative projects advancing at pace, and it is exciting to see the vision for this key town-centre site continuing to take shape.
She continued: “As the first planning application to come forward within the Canal Basin regeneration programme, this represents a significant milestone for Strabane and a clear demonstration of the progress being made through City Deal investment. The leisure centre will not only provide outstanding sporting and leisure facilities but will help unlock the wider vision for a thriving town-centre destination bringing together health, education, active travel and community services.”
She added that the investment is a significant one by Council and will see the creation of high-quality, modern and accessible facilities for local people while delivering wider regeneration, improving connections and bringing new activity into the heart of Strabane.
The Council will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout the planning process and subsequent stages of development, as work continues to deliver a modern, accessible and sustainable leisure facility for the Strabane area.