A £1.8m upgrade of the Orchard Leisure Centre in Armagh is expected to get underway in the autumn at the earliest.
The investment – which was rubber-stamped by ABC Council in October 2024 – would see the lifespan of the Folly Lane venue extended as efforts to develop a replacement continue.
It is not yet known at this stage whether or not the Orchard Leisure Centre will have to shut its doors to the public while the vital works take place.
Details of the current position have been given to council’s community and wellbeing committee sitting on Monday night.
“The investment into Orchard Leisure Centre is required to maintain the facility and to ensure operational viability,” a report to committee confirms.
“Orchard is now coming to the end of its useful life and this programme of work will help extend lifespan of the building for another five to seven years.
“During this time work on the replacement leisure centre is expected to progress.”
The committee has been told there are “two key areas” of work required to the building.
Mechanical and electrical works – largely unseen by the public – are needed to the plant room, ventilation system and controls within the facility.
At the same time, the Vitality Suite is also in need of upgrading, with this being the “biggest customer facing piece of work”.
This will involve the installation of a sanarium, hot tub/cold plunge, new showers, heated seating and new wall and floor coverings.
In terms of timeframe, the report to committee states: “The programme of works is moving into Stage 3 of the capital plan, where the finalised costings and detail will be concluded ready for procurement of contractor.
“It is anticipated that procurement for the contractor will commence in April 2026.
“Initial timelines indicate that we could have contractor on site in Autumn/Winter 2026.”
Access to the public during works is an unknown factor at present.
“At this stage it is unclear if the facility will be completely closed to the public during the works or whether there will be partial closures,” the report advises, with promises to update committee when officers have a “clearer understanding”.
Should a full closure be required, officers will provide a “full update to staff, unions and elected members”.
Councillors for both the Armagh and Cusher areas will be provided with progress reports going forward, with a further update to be given to the community and wellbeing committee in April.
