The organisation behind plans for a “reimagining” of the former Brownlow Leisure Centre has aired their “great disappointment” after Council announced their decision to halt the project.
The plans to transform the former leisure centre – which closed in July 2020, coinciding with the opening of the new £35million South Lake Leisure Centre in Craigavon – into a vibrant new community sports and activity centre took a major step forward in April.
Powered By Sport – the local charity behind The Rink Sports Arena in Portadown – had been engaging with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council since June 2025 as part of a competitive Community Asset Transfer process.
The charity announced in April that they were in the midst of progressing plans to reimagine the Brownlow facility as a modern, multi-use centre designed to meet growing demand for sport, recreation and community activity across the Craigavon area.
The centre, which has lain unused since its closure in 2020, had plans for the development of both an indoor and outdoor skatepark, designed to support skateboarding, scooters, BMX and roller skating under Powered By Sports proposals.
Sadly, the organisation are now making an annoucement that their hopes and dreams for the centre have been dashed.
Said Stephen Lynch, Chief Executive of Powered By Sport: “It is with great disappointment that we have learned that Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council has decided not to progress Powered By Sport’s proposal to redevelop the former Craigavon Leisure Centre through the Community Asset Transfer process.
“Naturally, we are extremely disappointed by this decision and know that many within the local community who shared our vision for bringing The Rec back into use as a vibrant hub for sport, wellbeing, urban activity and community life will feel the same.
“We want to sincerely thank everyone who supported our proposal, completed our community consultation, provided letters of support, attended meetings, shared ideas and believed in what we were trying to achieve.
“Your support for #THERECREIMAGINED has been incredible.”
Powered By Sport are continuing to engage with those involved in the process to better understand how the decision was reached and will provide a further update when they have more information.
It is understood another organisation may be in-line to redevelop the property.
ABC Council have been contacted for comment.
