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Kayley Hardiman, 27 Sep
LIMERICK City and County Council is planning a significant investment
of €1.5 million euro to upgrade and enhance the facilities at Grove
Island Leisure Centre.
Operator, Aura Leisure, have also committed to invest circa €350,000 to
provide state-of-the-art gym equipment. This brings the total overall
investment to €1.85 million.
The centre, which opened its doors in 2003, includes a 25-metre
swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, and hall area. This ambitious
upgrade will ensure that the facility continues to be a vital resource.
It is the only pay-as-you-go facility of its kind available in the
local community.
Following an Expression of Interest process, Aura Leisure, which has
successfully operated Grove Island Leisure Centre on behalf of Limerick
City and County Council since 2014, will continue to manage the centre,
ensuring continuity of service.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran is welcoming the planned investment,
saying: “Places for exercise especially in urban areas are essential
for a more liveable and healthier Limerick. This much needed and
overdue investment will pay dividends over and over in terms of the
health and wellbeing of residents and the wider community.”
Mayor Moran continued: “Having more spaces for activity in Limerick is
a priority of mine. But it is also important to better maintain and
invest in those we already have and adapt them to changing preferences.
It is especially critical to keep those pay-as-you-go facilities we
have like this one. They remove a key obstacle to exercise by not
requiring people to commit or even have the funds to commit to an
annual membership before using the facility.”
Commenting on the investment, Director of Service, Regeneration, Sport
and Recreation at Limerick City and County Council, Joe Delaney said:
“We are delighted to maintain the successful partnership with Aura
Leisure, a multi-award-winning company, who will continue to operate
the Grove Island Leisure Centre to the highest level. The upgrading of
the facilities is an investment in the health and wellbeing of the
wider community in Limerick. The centre will continue to operate while
the improvement works are ongoing, and every effort will be made to
minimise disruption.”
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The upgrade works will be carried out in three phases, commencing in
Autumn 2024, with completion expected by the end of 2025. The phased
approach will minimise disruption.
The project received a significant boost with the allocation of
€500,000 from the Community Sport Facilities Fund announced on
Wednesday last.
The improvement works include:
Refurbishment of the existing hall: The hall will be transformed into a
state-of-the-art gym, with the current gym space repurposed into a
larger exercise studio.
New gym and exercise equipment: Aura will invest around €350,000 in the
latest gym and exercise equipment to meet the evolving needs of users.
Upgrade of the Health Suite: The sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi will be
upgraded to enhance the overall wellness experience.
Refurbishment of the Changing Village: This will include upgrades to
family changing rooms, flooring, lockers, and shower facilities to
improve user comfort and convenience.
Mechanical Electrical System Upgrade: The facility’s mechanical and
electrical systems will be replaced and upgraded to ensure efficiency
and sustainability.
The investment programme aims to protect and sustain the vital
community health resource of Grove Island Leisure Centre, significantly
increase the overall number of users, and improve the health and
well-being of all who use the facility. Importantly, access to
swimming, an essential life skill, will be maintained for all sections
of society.