As one door closes on hopes and dreams for a charitable organisation’s revitalisation of a former Craigavon Leisure Centre, another is opening.
On August 11, Powered By Sport – the charity behind The Rink Sports Arena in Portadown – announced their “great disappointment” after their proposals for a redevelopment of Brownlow Leisure Centre dashed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
However, a partnership between several non-profit organisations have now announced their “delight” in securing the go-ahead on their bid for the premises’ revitalisation.
R8 Church have confirmed they have won out as the council’s “preferred choice” in what they regard as a “robust and competitive process” in partnership with other local organisations.
The church – based on Carrickblacker Avenue – said: “We’re delighted to share an exciting update about the future of the former Craigavon Leisure Centre building.
“After a long journey of over two years, and following a robust and competitive process, the partnership of R8 Church, Healthy Kidz and Ambassadors Football Ireland was selected as Council’s preferred choice for the building, and we’ve now received the green light to move forward with the process of acquiring it!
“We’re grateful to everyone who conducted and oversaw the process, and for the confidence they have placed in our partnership and our vision to reimagine the former leisure centre.
“This is a significant step towards seeing our shared vision of a ‘Brownlow Family Life Centre’ become a reality.
“Together, we want to breathe new life into the building and create a thriving hub for the whole community — bringing together faith, sport, children, young people and families, with opportunities for people to connect, grow and thrive.
“We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has worked and supported behind the scenes to help us reach this point.”
Collectively, the partnership have over 75 “highly skilled and experienced” members of staff and more than 100 volunteers.
They say across their services more than 1,500 people engage with them on a weekly basis and they have a “shared vision” to build a “stronger, healthier and more connected Brownlow”.
Their plans for the building include the development of an auditorium, community social café, activity hall, several multi-use games rooms, a space for the Ambassadors’ Club House and an outdoor activity yard.
They have plans to make the space available seven days a week from “morning to night”, with “something available for everyone”.
Together, the trio hope to forge a centre for the entire community that will benefit the area for “generations to come”.
