The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has described a successful bid for Levelling-Up Funding as a momentous day for Ballycastle.
Councillor Ivor Wallace was commenting following confirmation that the town is set to receive over £8.1m from the UK government’s flagship fund towards a major new leisure facility.
Located at Quay Road playing fields, it will feature a 25m swimming pool, community space, gym, Changing Places room, café along with an outdoor pump cycle track, walking trails and an accessible play park.
Welcoming the announcement, the Mayor said:
“The provision of leisure and recreation facilities is central to the health and wellbeing of our communities, and it has always been our aspiration to deliver a leading leisure centre in Ballycastle, for the benefit of those who live there along with the town’s significant visitor population.
“For the first time, the coastal community will be able to learn to swim in a Council-facility in the town, without having to travel upwards of 20 miles to a different location which will make a huge difference, especially to families and young people.
“Ballycastle’s attractive coastal location along with its outdoor spaces are among its best assets which greatly contribute to its popularity and reputation, but these have never been matched by infrastructure of this kind.
“This project will bring renewed sustainability and its central location will enhance current connections between the seafront area through to the town centre which is welcome news for the area’s long-term prosperity.
“It is encouraging to see the local community support for this initiative, and as a Council we are very pleased to act on behalf of our citizens to deliver significant investment, create a lasting legacy, and ensure future growth and development.”
“In further good news for our Borough, Ulster’s Rugby’s successful application for a capital improvement project will benefit our local club’s in Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady. They are among 20 across Northern Ireland who will share over £5m, creating new sporting opportunities and encouraging greater female participation.”