The new multi-million pound Newry Leisure Centre will officially launch this weekend.
But, sadly, vandals have already struck.
Police have confirmed that two panes of glass in the centre, at Clantye Avenue, were smashed at around 11.45am, last Sunday, less than a week before the big launch.
The PSNI in Newry and Mourne are appealing for information on the incident, on the non-emergency number 101, quoting ref: 1058 220415.
The incident it is hoped will be isolated and it will not be allowed to take away from a fantastic launch this Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26.
We are delighted to announce details of our family fun launch weekend where we will give members of the public the opportunity to sample our state of the art facility. This unique weekend of events will take place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April 2015.
The development of Newry Leisure Centre (NLC) is now at final completion stage and Northern Ireland’s latest state-of-the-art leisure complex will open in late April in the heart of Newry City.
The development is also creating another 14 jobs for the area.
Phase one of the new Leisure Centre will offer a wide range of supervised swimming activities and water features, which includes an eight lane main swimming pool, teaching pool, leisure pool with separate toddler area and exciting water features.
There will be an exciting spiral flume slide providing loads of fun and an exclusive Health Suite including Spa Pool, Steam Room, Sauna, Experience Shower and Heated loungers.
And don’t forget the viewing gallery with Olympic standard seating
The new Newry Leisure centre will also offer increased opening hours, a wider variety of leisure features whilst maintaining a highly competitive price offering.
Huge crowds are expected for this weekend’s launch when visitors will have the chance to explore the new development and enjoy a range of on-street entertainment, including a disco, photo booth and well known cartoon characters.
There will also be goodie bags and a complimentary swim voucher to mark the occasion.
Over the course of the two days staff will be on hand to introduce and explain the new swim programmes and answer any queries at various information points.
Pre-booking of tickets is essential and can be purchased now at Newry Leisure Centre or by telephoning (028) 30313190.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin’s Charlie Casey (pictured) has welcomed the opening and now wants to see progress on the proposed entrance to the Newry Leisure Centre which is due for completion following phase two.
He said: “The proposed entrance to the new Leisure Centre Complex will open following the completion of the centre, which is not due to begin construction until January 2016.
“In the meantime the old entrance at Clanrye Avenue will continue to be used. I will be urging the Council and also the PSNI to monitor traffic on the Meadow Road to ensure that residents are not disrupted by visitors to the pool.
“I will also be encouraging council to stick to the agreed timeframe for commencement of phase two.
“On the completion of phase two the entrance at Clanrye Avenue will be closed and will only be used for emergency vehicles.
“I would ask the residents of Clanrye Avenue to remain patient and if they have any questions in relation to this issue to contact me on 07764 320 312.”
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