Mayor breaks ground on £16.4m Ballycastle Leisure Centre

The Mayor is pictured alongside (L-R) Jake Mailey, Capital Projects Officer, Wendy McCullough, Head of Sport & Wellbeing, Brian Tohill, General Manager Sport & Wellbeing, Pat Mulvenna, Director of Leisure & Development, Councillor Margaret-Anne McKillop, Aidan McPeak, Director of Environmental Services, Councillor Cara McShane and John Beggs, SIB Project Manager.

A significant milestone was marked this week as the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, officially broke ground on the new £16.4 million leisure centre in Ballycastle.

Joined by fellow elected members, council officers, funding partners and representatives from the contractor and design team, the ceremonial sod cutting heralded the formal commencement of construction on what is set to be a major investment in the town’s infrastructure and community wellbeing.

The state-of-the-art leisure facility, jointly funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the UK Government, is expected to be completed by November 2026.

CGI images of the new Ballycastle Leisure Centre

Speaking at the event, Mayor McQuillan described the project as a landmark development for the area:

“Today is not only a milestone for Council, but more importantly it’s a milestone for the community. For many years we have wanted to deliver a fit-for-purpose leisure facility for Ballycastle residents and visitors, and today this ambition is one step closer to completion.

“I’d like to thank the project design team Hall Black and Douglas, as well as contractors GRAHAM, for their commitment to this development. I look forward to seeing the building work progress in the coming months.”

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan pictured alongside Alan McCullough, Grahams Contractor, David Black, Hall Black Douglas and Ryan Donaghy, Policy Advisor, UK Government, at the official sod cutting for the new leisure centre on Quay Road in Ballycastle.

Pat Mulvenna, the Council’s Director of Leisure and Development, also welcomed the launch of the works, and highlighted the wider significance of the scheme.

“Thank you to the Mayor and all who attended today’s ceremonial sod cutting event,” he said.

“We are pleased that as the building work now progresses, members of the public will be able to submit questions and follow the progress of this exciting new Ballycastle facility via our updates page on the Council website.”

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan pictured with UK Government representatives Ryan Donaghy, Policy Advisor and Amy McWilliams, Policy Lead, at the official sod cutting for the new leisure centre on Quay Road in Ballycastle.

Mr Mulvenna further emphasised that the leisure centre is part of a broader £25 million strategic investment planned for Ballycastle and the wider Glens of Antrim.

“This is one of six key projects aimed at boosting the local economy, creating much-needed jobs and enhancing community facilities.

“Alongside the leisure centre, the Council and its partners will also deliver the Ballycastle Shared Education Campus (Sport Facilities), Cushendall Innovation Centre, Ballycastle Environmental Improvement Scheme, Red Bay Pier Project, and the Ballycastle Museum,” he added.

The investment represents a long-term commitment to improving the quality of life across the region, with the new leisure centre positioned as a future hub for health, recreation, and social engagement.

The Mayor is pictured with Councillors from The Glens DEA, Council officers, and representatives from the UK Government, Grahams Contractor and Hall Black Douglas Design Team.

Construction updates and further information on the Ballycastle Leisure Centre can be found on the Council’s official website.