OFFICIAL OPENING OF GORTGONIS CENTRE
Publish Date: Tuesday, 11 May 2004
Press Release
11th May 2004
Ref: PR221.04
OFFICIAL OPENING OF GORTGONIS CENTRE
The Coalisland community welcomed today the opening of a new multi-purpose community centre at Gortgonis. The Mayor of Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council, Cllr Sean McGuigan, officially launched the various facilities on offer at The Gortgonis Centre.
The development of Gortgonis Playing Fields, Coalisland was a project undertaken in the early days of Dungannon District Council. Work on the 16 acres site began in the mid 1970s with the scheme focusing initially on the development of a 400 metre all weather running track, a playing field and a pavilion incorporating changing facilities, a car park and a play area. Further improvements were carried out over the years including the development of a woodland area.
In 2003 a major extension to the pavilion at Gortgonis was completed and now local communities can avail of the new facilities, which include three self-contained community rooms and the creation of a communal kitchen facility on the upper level. The lower level provides an all-new sports hall, changing amenities, plant room and storage. The 700 square feet sports hall caters for basketball, volleyball and badminton activities and is available for general public use. Local sports clubs in particular have welcomed greatly the new facilities on offer.
The Mayor, Councillor Sean McGuigan spoke of the community consultation process involved in development of this project:
“Following extensive consultation with user groups the Council agreed the project at a cost of £380,000 all of which is a direct subvention from the rates. This demonstrates a commitment to Coalisland South, which is designated as a TSN (Targeting Social Need) area and also brings additional employment to the area with the provision of a full and part time post within the centre.
Most importantly though, this facility is for the use of the local community and I would encourage all sports and community groups to make use of this most versatile complex.”
Enquiries and bookings for The Gortgonis Centre are welcomed at Dungannon Leisure Centre on 028 8772 0370.
ENDS…
Emma Heatherington
Public Relations Officer
Tel: 028 8772 0341
Notes:
The total cost of the project was £380,000
Consultant Architect: Michael J Herron, Coalisland
Main Contractor: McGuigan Contractors, Donaghmore
