Leisure centres extending opening hours in Mid & East Antrim Borough Council - residents allowed more time to get active

The council is adding more than 40 hours of extra leisure time and standardised opening times across all three centres.

Mid & East Antrim Borough Council is making it easier than ever for residents to get active, with extended and standardised opening hours being introduced across all council leisure centres.

Leisure centres across the borough will operate to a consistent, enhanced timetable, with standardised opening hours across all sites, giving residents greater flexibility to enjoy swimming, fitness facilities, exercise classes and other leisure activities.

The changes, which will be subject to a wider consultation with staff, are part of the Council's commitment to improving and extending access opportunities to its leisure services, supporting healthier lifestyles and ensuring residents have more opportunities to be physically active.

By introducing new, extended and consistent opening hours across all locations, the Amphitheatre Leisure Centre in Carrickfergus, Larne Leisure Centre and Seven Towers Leisure Centre, the Council aims to make it simpler for residents to plan their visits, whether they prefer an early morning workout, a lunchtime run or a late evening fitness session.

The following standard opening hours are expected to apply across the borough’s leisure centres, replacing current timetables:

• Monday - Friday: 06.00 – 22.00
• Saturday & Sunday: 08.00 – 17.00

Welcoming the move, Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said: “We want everyone in our Borough to have the opportunity to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, and making our leisure centres more accessible is an important part of achieving that.

"We know residents lead busy lives, and finding time to exercise isn’t always easy.

"By adding more than 40 hours of additional leisure time and standardising opening hours across our leisure centres, we’re making it simpler and more convenient for people to access the facilities and activities they enjoy.

“This is another positive step in our commitment to delivering accessible, welcoming and high-quality leisure services for communities across the borough.”

Earlier this year, the Council agreed to reopen all leisure centres on bank holidays which will also apply from Spring next year, providing even more opportunity for residents to access their local facilities, pending wider consultation with staff.

Residents will be encouraged to check individual activity timetables, as swimming sessions, fitness classes and other programmed activities may operate at different times as the planned changes come into effect.