Derry City and Strabane District Council have moved a significant redevelopment project forward by formally endorsing the high-level masterplan and facility mix for the Templemore Strategic Leisure Project.

The development, estimated to cost approximately £100 million, is designed to be a transformative landmark for the city region, providing premier health, fitness, and competitive sports infrastructure.

A key component of the project is its commitment to sustainability. The Council aims to meet industry-leading Passivhaus net-zero design principles, with the Integrated Consultant Team (ICT) currently reviewing concept designs under Passivhaus 'Classic' accreditation standards. This approach is intended to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the facility over its entire lifespan.

The ambitious plans for the site feature an extensive array of indoor and outdoor provisions, including:

• Aquatics: An 8-lane, 50m Olympic-sized swimming pool, a teaching/leisure pool, a toddler pool, and family-friendly features such as a splash area and water flumes.

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• Indoor Sports: An 8-court sports hall built to international standards, a high-tech fitness suite, a wellness spa, squash courts, and a dedicated spin studio.

• Outdoor Facilities: A full-sized 3G GAA pitch (floodlit), a floodlit 3G soccer pitch, three grass soccer pitches, a refurbished floodlit athletics track, and a network of walking trails.

The project has recently achieved several vital milestones, including the start of a formal options appraisal by the ICT. Additionally, a tender process is currently in progress for the disposal of surplus lands at Buncrana Road to support the wider development. To fund the £100 million capital requirement, the Council has approved a long-term rates investment strategy.

Speaking after the Special Meeting, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, stated: "The endorsement of the Templemore masterplan marks a significant milestone in our journey to deliver a world-class leisure provision for our citizens. Our teams and partners have worked tirelessly to reach this stage, ensuring that the facility mix meets the growing demand of our local sports clubs and the wider community. We are fully committed to this project, which not only promotes health and well-being but sets a new standard for sustainable, net-zero civic infrastructure in the region."

Public consultation regarding the outdoor facility mix is expected to begin in early 2026, with a full planning application targeted for submission by late 2026. If statutory approvals proceed as expected, the Council anticipates the facility will be operational by 2030/31.

Along with the masterplan endorsement, elected members granted approval to proceed with the disposal of surplus lands at Templemore to a preferred partner and confirmed the capital budgets necessary for delivery.