Concerns have been raised following a spate of anti-social behaviour and vandalism at a former Craigavon leisure centre that was only last week earmarked for an exciting redevelopment.
A resident of the area sent this publication an image showing smashed windows in the currently vacant Brownlow Leisure Centre premises, saying that a “crowd of youths” seemed intent on “destroying” the property over the weekend.
The person also expressed their concern for the safety of the youngsters, adding: “As a concerned resident, some of these kids may get badly hurt”.
On August 12, a partnership between several non-profit organisations announced their “delight” in securing the go-ahead on their bid for the premises’ revitalisation.
R8 Church have confirmed they have won out as the council’s “preferred choice” in what they regard as a “robust and competitive process” in partnership with other local organisations including Healthy Kidz and Ambassadors Football Ireland.
Related: Partnership’s ‘delight’ in acquiring Brownlow Lesiure Centre contract for new ‘Family Life Centre’
The trio will now move forward in their plans to develop ‘Brownlow Family Life Centre’, described as a “thriving hub for the whole community — bringing together faith, sport, children, young people and families, with opportunities for people to connect, grow and thrive.”
Their plans for the building include the development of an auditorium, community social café, activity hall, several multi-use games rooms, a space for the Ambassadors’ Club House and an outdoor activity yard.
They have plans to make the space available seven days a week from “morning to night”, with “something available for everyone”.
Police confirmed they received a report of a burglary at a vacant leisure centre in the Brownlow area of Craigavon, shortly after 10.10am today, Monday August 17.
Substantial damage had been caused inside the building, with costs likely to run into tens of thousands of pounds.
Sergeant Graham said: “We have received a number of recent reports of young people gathering in the area and are exploring a potential link to this burglary, which we believe occurred at some point over the weekend Friday 14th to Sunday 16th August.
“We are aware of local concern around anti-social behaviour at this site and visible patrols will increase to deter further activity in the area.
“Those who choose to engage in anti-social and criminal activity must understand it is unacceptable and must stop.
“We have asked parents and guardians to speak to their young people about where they are and who they are with and also to warn them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in them injuring themselves, others, or ultimately, with a criminal record which could have an impact on their future employment and even travel.
Enquiries are ongoing at this time, and police would appeal to anyone who saw anything or who might have any information – including ring-doorbell or other footage – to contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals quoting reference 420 of 17/08/26, or to call us on 101.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
