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Lurgan’s famous Goodyear Sports & Social Club for sale weeks after end of era closure

Opened in 1982 after the closure of the Goodyear factory, it was at the heart of the local community...but the end of an era came when it was confirmed in June it was no longer viable

Goodyear Social Club in Lurgan has gone on the market

For decades it provided a community hub, a leisure and sporting outlet and a home away from home for the good folk of Lurgan.

But now the Goodyear Sports and Social Club has gone on the market for sale.

The major complex closed its doors for the final time in June.

Built following the closure of the Goodyear factory in the 1970s, it opened its doors 42 years ago to a cross-community venue with much to offer.

The operators confirmed, after the last annual general meeting, that it was no longer viable or sustainable.

The decision was made to pull down the shutters on June 30 and place it up for sale.

This week, the property has now been advertised for sale by private treaty, with an asking price in excess of £425,000.

The site is being marketed by Savills (NI) Ltd, with the agent describing it as a “unique opportunity to repurpose the existing accommodation or redevelop the whole site”

It says there is “significant redevelopment potential for a range of uses, subject to relevant planning permissions”, with extensive accommodation extending to about 10,000 sq. ft, including about 6,250 sq. ft of potential warehouse/storage space”.

And it adds: “The property comprises the Good Year Sports & Social Club which was officially opened in 1982, following the closure of the Goodyear Factory in the late 1970s.

“The sports club offers extensive accommodation to include a function/bar area, kitchen facilities, main sports hall, office space and changing rooms.

“The main sports hall could be converted to warehouse storage/accommodation with eaves height extending to about 6.4 metres.

“The building occupies a prominent site on Silverwood Road just off the Silverwood Roundabout extending to about 1.1 acres (0.45 ha).”

Any net proceeds from any future sale – according to a statement released after the last AGM – will go into an independently-monitored trust.

The money will then be used to support locally-based cross-community sports and charitable bodies.

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