Galway’s swimming pool at Leisureland is marking its 50th anniversary with an appeal to the public to “reimagine” the location for its next half century.
Since the pool in Salthill first opened on June 29th, 1973, thousands of people have learned to swim there, while the venue’s stage and theatre have hosted concerts, Irish dancing championships, talks and general and local election counts.
Galway City Council and the Leisureland board are working with the University of Galway’s Urban Lab on a public engagement in relation to the Leisureland site for its next 50 years.
“With the passing of time and continued use throughout the 50 years, Leisureland no longer meets the standards for a modern sustainable facility,” they state.
“Leisureland and the neighbouring Salthill Park present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide modern facilities and experiences that can match any destination in the world over 12 acres of space in the heart of Salthill,” they state.
Galway Mayor Cllr Eddie Hoare stated that Leisureland has been “an incredible facility for the people of Galway and currently has over 3,000 people a week getting swimming lessons”.
“This engagement process is crucial to ensure it continues to serve the needs and wants of the people of Galway, and I would encourage everyone to get involved,” he said.
The public engagement will begin in local schools, and a “ blank canvas will be presented to the public to fill with endless possibilities of what this site can become”, they state.
“The engagement will then expand to other stakeholder groups, including current users of the facilities, local residents, visitors to the city and business interests,” they state.
Cllr Donal Lyons, chair of the Leisureland board, said he really welcomes the public engagement process for the redevelopment of Leisureland.
“This site has so much potential, and I am looking forward to seeing the feedback that comes in from the public in relation to these plans. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the present staff under Ian Brennan and the contribution of the various board members over the years that made Leisureland the success it now is,” he said.
It is planned that the first phase of the project will be complete by the first quarter of next year, and will then move into possible design proposals, examination of how commercial the designs are, seeking financial partners, both public and private, the appointment of a design team and applying for planning permission.
The group said it believed a “reimagined Leisureland” would increase green spaces for the local community, be carbon neutral and set Salthill as different to other destinations in Ireland while also driving economic impact.
