Orchard Centre to re-open in January
Thursday, 13 November 2008
ARMAGH'S new £5 million Orchard Leisure Centre is due to re-open for business on Monday, January 19, it was confirmed this week.
The state-of-the-art venue has been completely transformed and work is ahead of schedule, according to Armagh City and District Council, which owns the complex.
Leisure facilities manager Eamonn Kelly told the Gazette: "Things are going very well".
He was present at the leisure centre yesterday (Tuesday), as work began on the installation of the latest top of the range equipment for the newly-extended Visions Fitness Suite. The new-look pools were also being filled.
Felix O'Hare, the Newry-based contractor, is expected to officially hand over the keys to the Orchard Leisure Centre to Armagh Council on New Year's Day.
Ahead of that, memberships to both Visions and birthday party packages at the 'bigger and better' Gulliver's Soft Play Area are to be sold from December 1 onwards in preparation for the January launch.
Staff are also due to return shortly for training purposes.
Mr Kelly admits that a "bit of fine tuning" will be required in between times, and it would be the intention that some local schools or pre-schools could be invited along before the official opening to enjoy the new facilities.
Now 17 months into the actual contract, the leisure facilities manager said it was becoming more and more evident what a great asset the refurbishment and extension of the Orchard Centre would be to residents of Armagh City and District.
"For the wider community, the closure of the Orchard Leisure Centre has been heartfelt," he said. "However, looking to the future, things will definitely be bigger and brighter. The state-of-the-art facility has various new features.
"Visions fitness suite is now home to an extension, which will cater for a brand new strength and conditioning area, leaving greater space for a comprehensive range of cutting edge cardio vascular equipment. The modernised fitness suite will be complemented by satellite television system, large LCD television screens and individual cardio theatres.
"Visions relaxation area will be home to an enlarged sauna and steam room, two spa pools and an expansive seated area that will help you to relax and soak up the new surroundings of the Orchard Leisure Centre".
Gulliver's Soft Play Area will be bigger and better than ever before, with increased capacity of the unique play facility, with innovative features being added.
The Orchard Leisure Centre sports hall will have upgraded sports specific flooring which will cater for all sporting activities, complemented by extended dance studio with advanced sound system.
Refurbishment work on the two swimming pools includes an ultra-modern roof, with natural daylight illuminating the entire pool area. The pools have now been retiled to complement the innovative décor and viewing gallery.
Village changing areas - with ample showering facilities and vanity areas - have been constructed to cater for families, as well as numerous group changing areas and extensive changing facilities for those with disabilities.
The welcome and reception area of the Orchard Leisure Centre has been completely revamped, including the restaurant and reception areas.
The franchise for the restaurant has been awarded to Dobromir Chemshirov and it has just been confirmed that it will be known as 'Cafe Olympus'.
It should be pointed out that concessionary rates throughout the Orchard Leisure Centre will be available and details of these should be made known closer to the time.
