£10 spa charge approved for Antrim Forum as Council reviews leisure pricing

The spa at Antrim Forum

An additional charge to use the spa at Antrim Forum leisure centre has been approved by councillors.

Members of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Operations Committee agreed at a meeting in Antrim Civic Centre on Monday evening to introduce a £10 “bolt-on” charge per person for use of the facility.

A report to the committee stated:

“The introduction of a £10 per person spa bolt-on at Antrim Forum reflects the facility’s status as a premium, luxury service beyond the standard health suite provision available at Valley and Sixmile leisure centres.

“The spa is currently heavily over-subscribed, resulting in a detrimental impact on overall member experience. The proposed bolt-on aims to manage demand and protect service quality.”

The price change comes as the council carries out its annual review of pricing for parks, leisure and bereavement services ahead of the new financial year. The committee approved a general price rise of 3.5% for these services.

Members also agreed to provide priority booking for sports clubs based within the borough. The report noted this approach “ensures that council-owned facilities primarily benefit local clubs and communities”.

Macedon Ulster Unionist councillor Robert Foster said he was “happy to propose”, adding that he believed all clubs within the borough should receive “priority booking”. The proposal was seconded by Ballyclare DUP councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown.

The new arrangement will come into effect on 1 April.

Separately, during discussion on proposed opening hours and closures for bank and public holidays during the 2026/27 financial year, Threemilewater DUP councillor Mark Cooper BEM queried the closure of Antrim Forum at 4pm on Saturdays and asked for the matter to be reviewed.

Cllr Cooper noted the “significant investment” the council has made in the leisure centre and called for a pilot scheme to extend opening hours.

“I do think it is an opportunity we are missing for residents and for membership, in particular, at Antrim Forum and the Valley as well,” he said.

Matt McDowell, director of estates and recreation, advised that any change in opening hours would have a “cost consequence”. He explained that usage “drops off significantly” after 4pm and there was “larger demand” for earlier opening.

Deputy mayor, Threemilewater councillor Julie Gilmour, proposed approval of the recommended operating hours and closure schedule for the next financial year.

Cllr Archibald-Brown said she would second the proposal, with an amendment seeking a review and a report to be brought back to the committee. Antrim Alliance councillor Neil Kelly said it was an “opportune” time for such a review.