X-Move and McAvoy Construction have completed work on a new urban sports facility in Solitude Park, Banbridge.

The 490m² facility sits within its own enclosure and consists of a variety of features including raised banks and curbs, metal rails, a pocket corner and a wallie penny.

Featuring two levels with a pocket corner and curved bank at opposite ends, the higher central level offers banks on the sides with London gap ledges and a wallie penny with a bank hip and table top on the opposite level.

The facility was opened by Lord Mayor Alderman Gareth Wilson.

He said: "I am delighted to officially open this superb Urban Sports Facility. The highly anticipated project has been quite a while in the pipeline but I'm sure everyone will agree it has been well worth the wait.

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"As a council, it is essential we encourage young people to engage in active, healthy lifestyles and this amazing addition to Solitude Park will certainly appeal to the growing number of young people who have embraced the urban sports culture.

"As well as enhancing health provision this new facility will provide a welcome community gathering space, promoting social interaction that will benefit the young people of the borough for many years to come."

Performance Manager & Activity Director of Thunder Action Sports, Matt Gillespie said: "This is a great day for urban sports fans, well designed facilities such as this are few and far between and the launch today will be a huge boost for urban sports in the borough. As well as appealing to established enthusiasts Banbridge now has an amazing community resource for attracting new comers and the traditionally non-sporty into an exciting new realm of physical activity."

(CM)