Ards & North Down mayor Richard Smart showcases the new £30m Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure complex alongside the Council’s Helen Davidson and Davy Ritchie.

Details of Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex’s new Aqua Zone have been revealed recently by the Council.

Occupying a total floor area of approx.1250 sq metres, the Aqua Zone will offer one of the most advanced and exciting swim facilities across the island of Ireland. The area encompasses a 6 lane 25-metre indoor main pool, a 20 metre indoor minor pool, both with movable floors, a splash pool in its own space for interactive water based play, spectator gallery which can accommodate approx. 160 people and modern changing facilities. All pools are fully accessible by disabled via a modern level deck platform for wheel chair users and without hoist, where possible.

Cllr Richard Smart Mayor of Ards and North Down said that the area would deliver on the Council’s promises to deliver first class facilities in the heart of the Borough and complement other swimming destinations such as Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex. He said: “Our new Aqua Zone area including 25m pool, play area and changing facilities will be open for use this winter. 

Ards and North Down is passionate about the development of sport and recreation at all levels in the Borough, encouraging more people to participate, leading to happier and healthier lifestyles, as well as supporting young people to reach sporting and athletic goals.

Over the past five years the Borough has produced a number of international swimmers, earning us representation at the 2016 Paralympics as well as the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games and a host of other championships. These new facilities will further enhance our swim facilities and hopefully encourage more young people into swimming and disciplines producing even more athletes in the future.”

A splash pool offers a water based play area in safe and fun surroundings with sloping floor, new and exciting spray cannons, directional water jets, slides, features and cascades. Both dry and wet seated areas are available for parents and guardians nearby.

The bright and modern changing facilities include both individual cubicles and family cubicles with baby changing, secure toddler seats and lockers. Included is a large private Changing Places room for the disabled including a hoist, bed, shower and toilet. The Aqua Zone will be open to the public seven days a week.

AND Leisure will be sending out information to existing Borough leisure centre members and users via email shortly. To receive information on the brand new centre please email ardslc@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or visit ardsandnorthdownborough.com/