The former Dunluce Centre in Portrush, County Antrim
The once-bustling Dunluce Centre, a landmark entertainment complex in Portrush, could soon see a resurgence of activity following the submission of ambitious redevelopment plans to the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
After lying dormant since its closure in 2013 due to declining visitor numbers, the centre might once again become a hub of entertainment and leisure.
The detailed proposal, put forward by Westbury Developments Ltd, includes a comprehensive refurbishment and extension of the existing structure. Businessman Colm O'Donnell from County Donegal, who acquired the property earlier this year for a reported £1.25 million, is at the helm of this transformative project.
Proposed site plan for the Dunluce Centre in Portrush, County Antrim.
According to the submitted plans, the revamped Dunluce Centre will feature an array of attractions aimed at revitalising the site:
• An indoor section boasting a kids' amusement zone, a soft play area, an inflata park, an eight-lane bowling alley, an arcade, laser tag, go-karting, indoor climbing walls, and four virtual reality (VR) rooms.
• The addition of gaming machines, party rooms, and a food court to cater to all tastes and ages.
• Outdoor amusement areas and a dedicated food section are also part of the blueprint, extending the entertainment offerings outside the main building.
• Outdoor amusements included in the design drawings include a ferris wheel, twister ride, balloon race, kids bumpers, a large carousel, and a kids carousel.
Proposed elevations for the Dunluce Centre in Portrush, County Antrim.
The plans also address practical enhancements with an extension to the car park to accommodate the anticipated increase in visitors.
Opened in 1993, the Dunluce Centre was once a popular tourist attraction in the North Coast town, featuring attractions like the turbo tours simulator and a distinctive viewing tower. Its decline and subsequent closure left a gap in Portrush's entertainment offerings, which these new plans aim to fill.
The redevelopment proposal follows an initial community consultation, indicating a collaborative approach to breathing new life into the area. If approved, this project could not only revitalise the Dunluce Centre but also boost local tourism and economy, providing a new generation with memories where once stood a much enjoyed but faded attraction.
Proposed ground and first floor plans for the Dunluce Centre in Portrush, County Antrim.
As Portrush and its visitors await the council's decision in the months ahead, there will no doubt be an excitement about the potential return of one of the area's missed entertainment venues.