PLANS for a leisure complex to be situated within a revamped Windsor Park have been given the go ahead. The development will replace the existing Olympia Leisure Centre and will be incorporated within the West Stand of the new Windsor Park stadium.
It will provide enhanced leisure facilities for the community and will include a pool, learner pool, cafe, health and fitness suites, sports hall and a spin studio.
The development will be led by Belfast City Council. Environment minister Mark H Durkan said: "This significant new development scheme is welcome news for the local area bringing new and improved leisure facilities for the community to enjoy. "This state-of-the-art facility will enhance the already approved Windsor Park stadium development and provide a boost for the south west of Belfast. "The application was turned around in just over four months which demonstrates that changes are ensuring a fast, fair and fit-for-purpose planning system." The DOE consulted Belfast City Council this week on the propsals and no objections were raised. Windsor Park - home to Irish League club Linfield and the Northern Ireland national team - is to undergo a £25 million reconstruction to turn it into an 18,000 all-seater stadium.
The project is being funded by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure alongside the already completed revamp of Ravenhill rugby stadium and the planned upgrade of Casement Park.