A multi-million pound council-owned 'Olympic standard' leisure centre will open its doors in Carrickfergus next week.

The Amphitheatre has been described as one of the UK's most sophisticated and efficient fitness complexes.

Designed by Given Architects, the £10m multifaceted centre has integrated outdoor facilities with a wide range of indoor services.

Carrickfergus Mayor Patricia McKinney said the Amphitheatre will be a legacy for generations to come.

"Thirty years ago this year we opened council's first leisure centre which enjoyed years of good use and undoubtedly added to the quality of life in the community.

"Amphitheatre is the next generation for the borough and was very much a team effort: architects, contractors, designers and fitness professionals have all worked closely with us to achieve this shared vision of a world-class wellness centre."

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Alderman Billy Ashe, Chair of Development Services said: "This project has taken two years to complete and we now have a truly enviable facility with Olympic standard equipment."

The new state-of-the-art building on Prince William Way offers a floodlit synthetic sports pitch, squash courts, floodlit training area and a synthetic tennis court.

Indoors, a 25m swimming pool is joined by a themed junior pool.

A large multi-purpose sports hall will play host to six badminton courts, five-aside pitches, soccer, netball, basketball, gymnastics and more, as well as providing a unique venue for concerts, exhibitions and other displays.

Enhanced disability access and facilities including a lift to ensure wheelchair access throughout, improved parking facilities and block colour-code design has been employed throughout the building to enhance the experience of the visually impaired.

From concept to completion, Norman Houston, Leisure Development Manager at Carrickfergus Borough Council, said his team has been hugely passionate about the project and what it represents for Carrickfergus.

"Our key council objectives are wholly committed to improving the quality of life for all and this project goes a long way towards achieving our goal of making Carrickfergus an attractive place to live, work, invest and spend leisure time," he said.

(PR/BMcC)