Limerick City and County Council is planning a significant investment of €1.5 million euro to upgrade and enhance the facilities at Grove Island Leisure Centre. Operator, Aura Leisure, have also committed to invest circa €350,000 to provide state of the art gym equipment. This brings the total overall investment to €1.85 million.
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Aura Leisure to Remain as Operator after a Decade of Success
The centre, which opened its doors in 2003, includes a 25-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, and hall area. This ambitious upgrade will ensure that the facility continues to be a vital resource. It is the only pay-as-you-go facility of its kind available in the local community.
Following an Expression of Interest process, Aura Leisure, which has successfully operated Grove Island Leisure Centre on behalf of Limerick City and County Council since 2014, will continue to manage the centre, ensuring continuity of service.
The upgrade works will be carried out in three phases, commencing in Autumn 2024, with completion expected by the end of 2025. The phased approach will minimise disruption.
The project received a significant boost with the allocation of €500,000 from the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly Sports Capital and Equipment Programme) announced today (Wednesday, 25 September).
The improvement works include:
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Refurbishment of the Existing Hall: The hall will be transformed into a state-of-the-art gym, with the current gym space repurposed into a larger exercise studio.
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New Gym and Exercise Equipment: Aura will invest c. €350,000 in the latest gym and exercise equipment to meet the evolving needs of users.
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Upgrade of the Health Suite: The sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi will be upgraded to enhance the overall wellness experience.
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Refurbishment of the Changing Village: This will include upgrades to family changing rooms, flooring, lockers, and shower facilities to improve user comfort and convenience.
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Mechanical Electrical System Upgrade: The facility’s mechanical and electrical systems will be replaced and upgraded to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
Benefits of the investment programme:
The investment program aims to protect and sustain the vital community health resource of Grove Island Leisure Centre, significantly increase the overall number of users, and improve the health and well-being of all who use the facility. Importantly, access to swimming, an essential life skill, will be maintained for all sections of society.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran is welcoming the planned investment, saying:
“Places for exercise especially in urban areas are essential for a more liveable and healthier Limerick. This much needed and overdue investment will pay dividends over and over in terms of the health and wellbeing of residents and the wider community.”
Mayor Moran continued:
“Having more spaces for activity in Limerick is a priority of mine. But it is also important to better maintain and invest in those we already have and adapt them to changing preferences. It is especially critical to keep those pay-as-you-go facilities we have like this one. They remove a key obstacle to exercise by not requiring people to commit or even have the funds to commit to an annual membership before using the facility.”
Commenting on the investment, Director of Service, Regeneration, Sport and Recreation at Limerick City and County Council, Joe Delaney said:
“We are delighted to maintain the successful partnership with Aura Leisure, a multi-award-winning company, who will continue to operate the Grove Island Leisure Centre to the highest level. The upgrading of the facilities is an investment in the health and wellbeing of the wider community in Limerick. The centre will continue to operate while the improvement works are ongoing, and every effort will be made to minimise disruption.”
