Royal visitors, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, visited the facility yesterday, Thursday 23 September, to mark the official opening. They were taken on a tour where Their Royal Highnesses had the opportunity to view the expansive facility and speak to a wide range of staff and specially invited guests with close connections to the centre including; community and voluntary organisations, disability groups, business representatives, sporting groups and local sporting champions from across the borough.
The Lord-Lieutenant of County Armagh, The Right Hon., Earl of Caledon, KCVO, welcomed their Royal Highnesses to the facility and introduced them to the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Alderman Glenn Barr, and Roger Wilson Chief Executive, ABC Council.
Speaking at the official opening, Lord Mayor Alderman Glenn Barr said: "It is an honour and a privilege today to have The Earl and Countess of Wessex present with us to celebrate the official opening of the largest investment project within our Council area to date, one that we as Members of Council are extremely proud of. This facility is about much more than just a leisure centre, it has been an ambitious and challenging project that now provides access to a wide range of health and wellbeing facilities for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels and the impact of South Lake is now a real catalyst for regeneration and investment by others in this entire region.
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"It is clear that we have succeeded in the vision which started many years ago with the legacy from Craigavon Borough Council. We are delighted it has now come to fruition with this fantastic facility for everyone to enjoy, and for many generations to come."
The significant investment in health, fitness and wellbeing committed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in the landmark state-of-the-art leisure centre saw the creation of a 50-metre, eight-lane swimming pool, the 1,000m2 gym, the largest on the island of Ireland, health and wellbeing suite, multi-court sports hall, group cycle and dance studios. Since opening in November 2020, the centre has attracted over 36,000 visitors, while operating under Public Health Guidelines.
The Earl and Countess met representatives from Farrans Construction, the company responsible for the delivery of the project, where they discussed the many community engagement initiatives undertaken throughout the build process, and the centres lasting legacy. Their Royal Highnesses heard about the sustainable features of the building, the boost to the local economy, with over 500 jobs created, and the involvement of local students as part of an apprenticeship scheme with Southern Regional College.
The visit concluded with the formal unveiling of a plaque by The Earl and Countess of Wessex in the main foyer to declare the centre officially opened.
