Fresh plans submitted for new Broughshane community centre and sports hub

Plans reveal the new design proposal for Broughshane Community Centre; (inset) the current facility in the village.

Fresh planning proposals have been submitted for the construction of a new community centre at Knockan Road in Broughshane, setting out detailed designs for a modern, energy-efficient facility intended to serve the village for generations to come.

The plans include a new community hall, playgroup facility, sports changing areas, associated car parking and extensive hard and soft landscaping works. The proposed development would replace the existing centre on the site and significantly improve accessibility, sustainability and flood resilience.

Levelling Up funding brings project closer to reality

The submission marks another major milestone for Broughshane & District Community Association, which was awarded £300,000 in June 2023 from the UK Government’s Levelling Up initiative.

The dedicated local team of volunteers has been spearheading fundraising and development work aimed at delivering the much-needed new community facility and sports hub that meets the needs of local residents, community groups and sports users.

The funding was designed to help turn long-standing ambitions for a new community hub into reality in what is widely known as the ‘Garden Village of Ulster’.

Council-led project with renewed planning application

Site plan proposed for the new Broughshane Community Centre

Taggarts were appointed as lead consultant in early 2025 to progress the replacement community centre on behalf of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council. Planning permission for a replacement facility on the site was originally granted on 14 January 2021.

The latest application builds on that approval, incorporating updated design requirements, enhanced sustainability measures and further consideration of flood risk and accessibility.

Passivhaus design at the heart of proposals

Energy efficiency is a central feature of the proposed new community centre. One of the council’s key requirements is that the building meets the Passivhaus standard, an internationally recognised approach to construction that focuses on keeping buildings warm in winter, cool in summer and inexpensive to run.

Rather than relying heavily on heating systems, Passivhaus buildings are designed to retain heat naturally. This is achieved through high levels of insulation, airtight construction and careful design that reduces energy loss.

In this case, the design team paid close attention to the overall shape of the building. A more compact, broadly square layout was chosen because it has fewer external walls, which helps reduce heat escaping from the building.

This approach is expected to lower energy use, cut running costs and create a more comfortable environment for people using the centre throughout the year.

Flood resilience measures incorporated

The site lies close to the River Braid and is subject to flood risk. At an early design stage, the project team consulted with Rivers Agency to determine the optimum finished floor level for the new building.

Following this assessment, the decision was taken to raise the proposed building level by an additional 430mm above the previously approved scheme.

This change is intended to provide greater flood resilience and future-proof the facility. Full details are set out in the flood report submitted as part of the planning application.

Safer pedestrian access and improved layout

Floor plan proposed for the new Broughshane Community Centre

Improving pedestrian safety and accessibility has been a central aim of the redesign. The existing centre is currently surrounded by car parking with no clearly segregated pedestrian routes.

Under the new proposals, dedicated and protected pedestrian access will be provided from the street to the building, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for users of all ages.

The replacement centre will also offer increased internal space to better support the wide range of community groups that currently use the facility.

Car parking changes and mitigation

Due to site constraints, the expansion of the building footprint will result in a reduction in on-site car parking from 109 spaces to 81 spaces, a net loss of 28 spaces.

The new building footprint is 858m² gross area, compared with 1,380m² under the previously approved design.

To mitigate this reduction, the applicant has confirmed the availability of 78 overflow parking spaces at the council-operated Jubilee Park car park, located approximately 125 metres west of the site and accessed via an existing public footpath to Knockan Road.

Minimising impact on nearby residents

To meet Passivhaus standards, the building requires a high-specification ventilation and air conditioning system. Plant equipment will be located both at ground level and on the roof, with acoustic screening provided in both areas.

The design team has positioned these plant areas to the west of the building, using the building’s mass to screen them from nearby residential properties to the east, helping to minimise noise and visual impact.

Major improvements to disability access

The new centre has been designed to significantly enhance DDA access, ensuring inclusivity across the site. Key features include:

• Six dedicated disabled parking bays located close to the main pedestrian entrances

• A disabled set-down point adjacent to the building, conforming to BS8300-1

• Full ramped access and egress around the building

• Tactile and visually distinguishable paving at all pedestrian crossing points

• Three disabled WC facilities, including one with direct external access

• A Changing Places facility off the main reception

• Disabled changing and shower provision within the sports changing rooms

A long-term investment in village life

If approved, the new community centre is expected to become a focal point for social, sporting and community life in Broughshane, reflecting years of volunteer commitment and public investment.

The proposals underline a broader ambition to deliver a modern, inclusive and environmentally responsible facility that supports both current users and future generations.