Bank holiday opening to return at Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus leisure centres

Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena

Wednesday 16 September 2026

Mid and East Antrim councillors have backed plans to restore bank holiday opening at the borough’s three main leisure centres, giving members access to facilities in Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus on public holidays.

The council’s Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee, meeting at The Braid in Ballymena on Tuesday evening, approved the move, which would see the centres open from 8am until 4pm on bank holidays.

Currently, the council’s leisure centres do not open on bank holidays, an arrangement which has been in place since April 2023.

Members have called for greater access

A committee report said income from Mid and East Antrim’s three leisure centres amounts to £1.6m annually, accounting for just over half of the council’s overall leisure income.

The report stated:

“Feedback from leisure members has consistently highlighted a desire for access to council leisure facilities on bank holidays.”

Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Maeve Donnelly

In May, Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Maeve Donnelly proposed what she described as a “common sense motion”, asking officers to bring a report back to council outlining options for providing leisure facilities across Mid and East Antrim on bank holidays.

The subsequent review considered the potential benefits of bank holiday opening, including an enhanced customer experience, strengthening membership and supporting the long-term sustainability of leisure services.

“Protecting and enhancing the membership offer is therefore an important consideration in supporting the long-term financial sustainability of the leisure service,” the report said.

“The review also found that many neighbouring councils and private sector leisure providers continue to operate on bank holidays providing members with uninterrupted access to facilities throughout the year.

“The availability of bank holiday access is increasingly viewed as a standard component of a modern leisure membership offer.”

£21,000 estimated annual cost

The report indicated that the estimated staffing cost of opening all three leisure centres on a bank holiday would be £3,000 per day, with an estimated annual cost of £21,000.

It is understood the new arrangements are expected to come into effect from Easter 2027.

Knockagh DUP Councillor Marc Collins said he was “more than happy” to propose accepting bank holiday opening and asked for an update on the possibility of extending normal opening hours from 6am until 10pm.

A council director told the meeting that extending opening hours would involve discussions with trade unions and said a further report would be brought back to the committee later this year.

Cllr Donnelly described discussions with the trade unions as “positive” and said she was “delighted to second the proposal”.

Her Alliance Party colleague, Carrickfergus Castle Councillor Lauren Gray, said she had received “a lot of contact” on the issue and welcomed the planned bank holiday opening, highlighting the benefits of access to leisure facilities for residents’ physical and mental health.

Update sought on Larne Leisure Centre

Larne Lough DUP Councillor Gregg McKeen also asked when Larne Leisure Centre would return to full operation.

The Tower Road premises was badly affected by an arson attack on 11 June 2025, when the building was set alight while people were still inside. Services subsequently returned on a phased basis, with a temporary reception area remaining in place.

The council director described the recovery as “quite a protracted process” involving insurers and loss adjusters.

However, he said the council would use the opportunity to “enhance facilities and create a modern reception area with access control”.

‘Greater choice’ for residents

In a statement issued after the meeting, Cllr Donnelly said:

“I’m delighted that residents of Mid and East Antrim will now have greater choice when it comes to accessing leisure facilities across the borough.

“Having access to good leisure facilities on a regular basis is what we should be aiming to deliver for everyone across our area. Offering a cost-effective way for our residents to get fit and healthy, access to leisure services also aids better mental health and encourages people of all ages to get active and healthy.”