Blair Mayne Leisure Centre (Ards)
November 2018
The proposed Dairy Hall Leisure project, that SPACE & PLACE is designing, will provide a replacement centre for the existing Ards Leisure Centre and act as the primary leisure destination for Newtownards and the surrounding area.
It will also continue the excellent relationship that the Council has with a range of local sporting bodies, providing facilities that support the delivery of their performance sports and athletic achievements. Whilst it’s primary focus is on indoor activities it also includes extensive outdoor facilities and activities within a parkland setting. While traditional sports and activities are catered for, the centre accommodates exciting emerging sports, as well as allowing for future flexibility, allowing the centre to respond to ever changing demand.
In addition to the 25 metre Gala pool (including spectator seating), 20 metre training pool and splash leisure pool, the new purpose built facilities will include:
- Fitness gym
- Spa Facilities
- Dedicated spin studio
- Multi-purpose & meeting areas
- 2 dance studios
- 6 court sports hall including bleacher seating
- Internal soft play area
- Café and kitchen area
- Support spaces including party rooms and dedicated changing for all sporting activities.
Externally there will be a 60m x 42m covered synthetic grass pitch which will cater for a range of sports as well as hosting events.
The translucent fabric of the roof cover allows for natural daylight penetration, creating a quality of light perfect for sports as well as removing the dependency on artificial lighting. As a result of consultations with the local Youth Forum, a skate park, BMX/mountain bike track and adventure playground were added to the brief.
The new Dairy Hall facility will promote links between the external and internal areas to promote cross usage and those opportunities for external ‘pop-up’ events i.e. skills days/market events.