Progress to create one of Northern Ireland’s newest and largest public leisure complexes took a leap forward recently as the final bolts to the roof of the new £35 million centre in Craigavon were finally moved into place. The ‘topping out’ ceremony kicks off a fresh workstream of internal and external work that will rapidly gather pace ahead of its grand opening launch next year.

When completed, the new world class South Lake Leisure Centre will be among Northern Ireland’s most modern, state of-the-art leisure centre with picturesque views. Due to open in autumn 2020, the facility will incorporate an eight-lane 50m swimming pool, a 1,000m2 gym and an extensive outdoor water sports provision. Construction of the new complex has created hundreds of jobs, with around 500 fulltime workers signed up to complete the build. Local employers already involved in the scheme include Callan Construction, D&K Systems, Taranto Piling, GM Wall Tracking and J&C Agencies.