Northern Ireland Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced planning approval for a £6.5 million transformation of leisure facilities at Londonderry Park in Newtownards.

The redevelopment and improvement proposals include the replacement of shale pitches with floodlit synthetic pitches, new main pavilion and changing facilities, new cricket pavilion, increased car parking and associated development.

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Ards Borough Council is investing £6.5million into the redevelopment of Londonderry Park.

Mr Durkan said: "This is a real boost for the many people who use these facilities, be they from Newtownards, Greater Belfast or the Ards peninsula. The redevelopment will play a key role in sports development. Synthetic pitches are designed to encourage young people to get involved in sport in all weathers.

"It is my aim to ensure planning helps create a better environment and a stronger economy. This development helps to do this and will allow major sporting events to be brought to Ards Borough."

(CD/IT)