A proposal that includes selling off an existing loss-making leisure centre on Coleraine's Railway Road may be key to raising funds for new state-of-the-art sporting facilities.

Coleraine Borough Council appointed consultants in August to explore the possibility of building an out-of-town sports stadium and leisure complex and the local politicians also gave the go-ahead for a feasibility study into provision of multi-sports facilities at the town's Rugby Avenue.

The experts are now expected to deliver their report later this year.

The council says the proposed community stadium and recreation scheme would have 'regional significance' and may include an athletics track, swimming pools, sports halls and fitness gyms.

-- Advertisement --

Local builders will be keenly following the scheme that has in part been prompted by the need for improvements at the town's Showgrounds, which was this year denied the accolade of being the principal venue for the Milk Cup tournament after concerns about the facilities prompted the prestigious final's relocation to Ballymena.

The international youth football tournament – which takes place each July – usually sees the finals of the three age groups – Premier, Junior and Elite – held at the Coleraine Showgrounds.

However, the organisers decided earlier this year that the venue no longer meets the required health and safety standards and it's also thought there is concern at the lack of sufficient changing facilities.

The showpiece games were therefore switched to the Ballymena Showgrounds which were recently undergoing refurbishment.

See: Milk Cup Final Kicks Off In Ballymena

(BMcC/GK)