In what will be music to the ears of many in the wider Craigavon area, the former Brownlow Leisure Centre could be set for a major revamp… and those behind the ambitious project want your input!
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 have taken a major step forward.
Powered By Sport – the local charity behind The Rink Sports Arena in Portadown – have been engaging with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council since June 2025 as part of a competitive Community Asset Transfer process.
The charity is currently 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, represents a significant opportunity to bring a key community asset back into meaningful use.
Stephen Lynch, Chief Executive of Powered By Sport, explained: “We’ve been working on this opportunity for almost a year now, and what’s becoming clear is the level of demand that exists locally for accessible, high-quality space for sport and community activity.
“Our vision is to reimagine the building as a place where people of all ages can take part — whether that’s through sport, fitness, youth activity or community programmes.”
Early engagement with local clubs and organisations has already highlighted significant challenges in accessing suitable space, with many groups reporting limited availability and difficulty securing regular bookings.
As part of the proposed redevelopment, Powered By Sport is exploring a range of facilities that could be delivered within the building, including indoor sports spaces, fitness and activity areas, and dedicated community-use rooms.
Importantly, plans also include the development of both an indoor and outdoor skatepark, designed to support skateboarding, scooters, BMX and roller skating.
The need for such urban sports provision has previously been recognised within Council discussions and wider community engagement.
Mr Lynch added: “We know there is strong interest locally in urban sports, and this is something we are keen to explore as part of a wider offer. The aim is to create a facility that reflects the diversity of interests within the community and provides opportunities for people who engage with both mainstream and minority sports.”
To ensure the proposal reflects real local need, a four-week public survey has now been launched, running from April 28 to May 26.
The survey is open to individuals, sports clubs and community groups, and will help shape the final plans submitted to Council.
Mr Lynch added: “This is a real opportunity for the community to influence what happens next. We want to hear directly from people about what facilities are needed, what challenges they currently face, and how this space could best serve the area.
“The stronger the response, the stronger the case we can make.”
Powered By Sport believes the redevelopment could play a key role in addressing the growing demand for accessible sports and community space, while bringing a long-vacant building back into meaningful use.
Take part in the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/craigavonleisure
