Residents of west Belfast are preparing for the grand opening of a new £25 million leisure centre later this year.

Work is taking shape at Andersonstown Leisure Centre as it approaches its April opening date, when it will become the latest centre to reopen as part of Belfast City Council's £105 million leisure transformation programme.

The centre will support the creation of around 100 new jobs across a range of disciplines, including over 50 lifeguards to ensure a safe and fun experience on the brand new water slides, aqua play park and surf simulator. Other roles will include swim teachers, gymnastic instructors, fitness instructors, catering staff and front-desk staff. 

GLL, the social enterprise that runs all of Belfast's leisure centres under the Better brand, is searching for suitable people in both full and part-time roles.

Alderman Brian Kingston, Chair of Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee said: "I'm delighted to see another 100 jobs being created by GLL as part of our Leisure Transformation Programme. 

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"Belfast City Council's investment in leisure services is the biggest in the UK reflecting the importance we place on making life better for all our residents by improving their health and wellbeing, reducing life inequalities and improving our neighbourhoods. These are priorities for the city outlined in the Belfast Agenda, our community plan.

"Job creation and investment are also key priorities. We want to create employment and opportunity, enhance skills and address economic inactivity. These new jobs at the new Andersonstown Leisure Centre - and the others created in our other new centres - will contribute significantly to a broad range of our targets."

The Andersontown project follows on from the openings of the new Brook and Lisnasharragh Leisure Centres.

Regional Human Resources Business Partner for GLL, Catherine Sweeney added: "We are thrilled to be adding 100 new jobs to our growing Better Belfast team. The investment in leisure in this city is fantastic, and the development of Andersonstown will bring so many new opportunities for people who are interested in pursuing a career in leisure. 

"GLL is hugely committed to its workforce and our people are our greatest asset. Part of that commitment means providing existing staff with the opportunity to develop their skills and pursue rewarding careers with us. 

“There is a huge range of rewarding careers in GLL and really exciting opportunities for staff to develop and progress. I would encourage anyone who is interested in a career in leisure to check out our website for details on how to apply."

(CM/MH)