Larne Leisure Centre arson disrupts MEAqua plans and projected income growth

Larne Leisure Centre following an arson attack at the front entrance of the facility

The financial impact of an arson attack on Larne Leisure Centre, which resulted in the temporary closure of the facility, will “only become clear once all claim processes have been exhausted”, Mid and East Antrim councillors have been told.

The premises at Tower Road were set alight while some people were still inside the building on Wednesday, 11 June. A phased return of services is currently taking place.

A report presented to the borough council’s Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee at a meeting in The Braid, Ballymena, on Tuesday evening stated:

“In January, it was projected that the implementation of development proposals could increase pool-related income by four per cent annually.

“The recent events at Larne Leisure Centre will impact the income projections for year two, but the extent will only become clear once all claim processes have been exhausted.”

The report, which focused on the development of the council’s water-based leisure activities programme, MEAqua Academy, indicated that income from council-owned leisure centre swimming pools during 2024/25 was £327,274 — an increase from £274,927 in the previous financial year.

Swimming lessons across the borough’s three leisure centres — Larne, The Amphitheatre in Carrickfergus, and Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena — brought in almost £0.5 million, up from £417,314 during 2023/24.

Councillors were also informed that the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland had carried out a pool inspection, which included a visit to The Amphitheatre. The report noted:

“There were no major concerns raised, and one issue highlighted — regarding pool glare — has been addressed. New energy-efficient lighting has been introduced in the pool hall areas.”

Meanwhile, refurbishment works to the pool and group wet changing facilities at Larne Leisure Centre have been completed. Fourteen staff members across the borough have been trained to deliver water polo as part of the schools’ programme.

A ‘Little Stars’ disability class has been introduced at Seven Towers Leisure Centre, meaning that all three leisure centres in the borough now provide this inclusive programme. The report also noted an extension to the “tot and toddler” provision, with 360 lessons delivered.

There were 2,072 participants in the MEAqua Swim Academy, with 12,150 lessons delivered during 2024/25.

The report also stated that 5,500 children took part in school swimming lessons, with pupils from 67 schools involved.