The Orchard Leisure Centre in Armagh will be closed next weekend for essential maintenance works.
The centre, at Folly Lane, will be shut to the public on Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22.
ABC Council, which owns and operates the venue, said: “This closure is necessary to fix the ongoing heating issues at the centre.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding while this work is completed.”
Sinn Fein Councillor John Og O’Kane said it was “very encouraging” to see the work now being carried out, which comes after discussions on heating the venue at February’s community and wellbeing committee.
“The people of Armagh City deserve better facilities and this is a positive step forward,” he said.
“With further improvement works planned for Autumn 2026, and the prospect of a new Orchard Leisure Centre on the horizon, there is real hope for long-term investment in leisure provision for our community.”
On Monday, Armagh I reported that a £1.8 million investment was being planned.
The investment – which was rubber-stamped by ABC Council in October 2024 – would see the lifespan of the Folly Lane venue extended as efforts to develop a replacement continue.
The Orchard Leisure Centre is now coming to the end of its useful life and the programme of work will help see it fit for use for another five to seven years.
“During this time work on the replacement leisure centre is expected to progress,” the committee was told.
Specifically, “two key areas” of work required to the building. Mechanical and electrical works – largely unseen by the public – are needed to the plant room, ventilation system and controls within the facility.
At the same time, the Vitality Suite is also in need of upgrading, with this being the “biggest customer facing piece of work”.
It is not yet known if the centre will close completely for the duration of the works with further updates to follow.
Efforts to procure a contractor are expected to start in April, with a view to being “on site in Autumn/Winter 2026”.
