Mid and East Antrim councillors agree to reopening of leisure centres on bank holidays
Mid and East Antrim councillors have agreed to the reopening of the borough council’s three leisure centres on bank holidays.
Mid and East Antrim councillors have agreed to the reopening of the borough council’s three leisure centres on bank holidays.
The council’s Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee which met at The Braid, in Ballymena, on Tuesday evening, approved the U-turn which will see leisure centres in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena open from 8am until 4pm, on these days.
Currently, the council’s leisure centres do not open on bank holidays. This arrangement has been in place since April 2023.
A committee report said income from Mid and East Antrim’s three leisure centres amounts to £1.6m annually, just over half of the council’s leisure income overall.
The report stated: “Feedback from leisure members has consistently highlighted a desire for access to council leisure facilities on bank holidays.”
In May, Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Maeve Donnelly proposed a motion for leisure centre doors to be opened during holidays, describing it as a “common sense motion” and asked for officers to bring a report back to council with options for delivering a leisure facilities offering in Mid and East Antrim during bank holidays.
The review has considered the “potential benefits of bank holiday opening such as enhanced customer experience, strengthening membership and long-term sustainability of leisure services”.
“Protecting and enhancing the membership offer is therefore an important consideration in supporting the long-term financial sustainability of the leisure service,” the report said.
“The review also found that many neighbouring councils and private sector leisure providers continue to operate on bank holidays providing members with uninterrupted access to facilities throughout the year.
“The availability of bank holiday access is increasingly viewed as a standard component of a modern leisure membership offer.”
The report indicated the estimated staffing cost per day to open all three leisure centres on bank holidays would be £3,000, at an annual cost of £21k. It is understood the change will come into effect next Easter.
Knockagh DUP Councillor Marc Collins said he was “more than happy” to propose accepting bank holiday opening. He asked for an update on potential extended opening from 6am until 10pm.
A director told the meeting to extend opening hours would involve trade unions and he would come back with a report to the committee later this year.
Cllr Donnelly described such discussions with the trade unions as “positive” and said she was “delighted to second the proposal”.
Party colleague Carrickfergus Castle Cllr Lauren Gray said she has had “a lot of contact” on the subject and she welcomed the planned reopening for residents’ physical and mental health.
Larne Lough DUP Cllr Gregg McKeen asked when Larne Leisure Centre would return to full operation.
The arson-hit premises at Tower Road was set alight while some people were still inside the building on June 11, 2025 and resulted in a phased return of services. A temporary reception area remains in place.
The director said it has been “quite a protracted process” involving insurers and loss adjusters. However, he said the council would use the opportunity to “enhance facilities and create a modern reception area with access control”.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Cllr Donnelly said: “I’m delighted that residents of Mid and East Antrim will now have greater choice when it comes to accessing leisure facilities across the borough.
“Having access to good leisure facilities on a regular basis is what we should be aiming to deliver for everyone across our area. Offering a cost-effective way for our residents to get fit and healthy, access to leisure services also aids better mental health and encourages people of all ages to get active and healthy.”