An outdoor ‘urban sports’ facility – which will includes fantastic facilities for skateboarders and BMX bikers – has been given the go-ahead in the borough.
An application for the purpose-built facility in Solitude Park, Banbridge, has been approved at a meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s planning committee.
This long-awaited and exciting new project – the first of its kind to be provided in the borough and one of only three outdoor urban sports facilities in Northern Ireland – is now ready to get off the ground much to the delight of local supporters.
Among those backing the plans are young urban sports enthusiasts who lobbied the former Banbridge District Council and demonstrated high demand for such a facility as far back as 2014.
With work due to commence in late October and complete by the end of this year, the new facility will be a welcome addition to Solitude Park which has benefitted from significant investment in recent years.
The children’s play area was refurbished last year at a cost of £300,000, a new outdoor gym was installed in 2013 with funding provided by the Public Health Agency and a £1.75m park enhancement scheme was completed in 2009, providing many stunning features including an amphitheatre-styled events arena, a set of canoe steps, ultra-modern toilet facilities, a Park Rangers’ office, a riverside walk and a sculpture trail.
Located next to the amphitheatre, the 490m2 facility will sit within its own enclosure and offer features such as raised banks and curbs, metal rails, a pocket corner and a wallie penny – appealing to those interested in skateboarding, BMX and in-line skating.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Alderman Gareth Wilson welcomed the Planning Committee’s decision, commenting: “It’s very satisfying to see this project become a reality as it’s been a long time in the making. I commend the council officers who have worked hard to overcome many obstacles so that young people in the local area can have what they so rightly deserve – a safe and spacious area within a picturesque parkland setting where they can pursue their passion for urban sports as well as hang out and socialise with friends.
“This new facility will ensure that Solitude Park, like our other parks in the borough, are well-used environmental assets and much-valued leisure and recreational facilities. In a time when childhood obesity is still a major public health concern, I am fully supportive of projects that can make a real difference to keeping young people active and healthy.”
This project, which has received strong backing from the local community and is being delivered at a cost of £122,500.
