A significant milestone has been marked on Craigavon's new £35 million leisure centre with the recent installation of the steel frame structure.

The new facility, which is being built adjacent to Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre, will feature an eight-lane, 50-metre swimming pool, a teaching pool, fun pool and a spectator gallery.

Once complete, the new gym will be the largest available on the island of Ireland, featuring state-of-the-art equipment, spin and dance studios. It will also include an extensive health and beauty suite, activity rooms, squash courts and a large sports hall suitable for a variety of sporting activities, as well an extensive outdoor watersports provision.

The project team has now commenced foundation works to create the centre's 50-metre gala swimming pool, with further plans in place to deliver an eight-court sports hall, studio spaces, squash courts and an indoor children's soft play area.

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Farrans is leading the construction of the new centre with companies like Taranto and Walter Watson working on the concrete piles and steel frame.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Cllr Julie Flaherty, said: "A flagship project creating at least 500 jobs on site, with more to follow, this is a pivotal moment in the development of this new and exciting leisure facility, which has been designed to transform the health, wellbeing and quality of life for residents and visitors for generations to come."

The new centre will also be one of the first in Northern Ireland to feature 'Pool Pod' platform lifts to improve pool access for people with disabilities and the less mobile.

The project was procured via the Scape Major Works framework.

Victoria Brambini, managing director at Scape Procure, said: "We are pleased to see Craigavon's new leisure centre taking shape. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has put in tremendous efforts in creating an exciting facility that will be accessible to all and will encourage an uptake in a healthier lifestyle within the local community.

"Creating social value and delivering community benefits is an integral part of our frameworks. As well as ensuring a maximum spend on local labour and SME engagement, the project will also drive long-term economic benefits through the provision of training, upskilling and employment opportunities for the local community. We look forward to seeing this project evolve in the coming months."

The new leisure centre is on course for phased completion in 2020.

(CM/MH)