What the new Dundalk IT Sports Arena will look like when fully operational
Dundalk IT have been granted conditional planning permission by Louth County Council to convert the former JJB complex at Bothar na Feirme into a sports and education centre.
The college plan to change the retail area at the first floor level into an area equipped for sports educational and training purposes. They also hope to use it as an exam hall when they see fit.
Meanwhile, the existing playing pitch area and associated changing area at the ground floor level will also be used for sports education and training uses, as well as as an exam hall.
The proposed development will also consist of a new pedestrian access point of Bothar na Feirme, the removal of an existing vehicular access along the western boundary, the reduction of 79 car parking spaces and the reconfiguration of the existing car park layout. There would also be a repositioning of the existing bus lay-by to provide for a dedicated cycle parking area, as well as elevational changes to include the erection of four new fascia signs.
It is also hoped to construct a new boundary wall to the north and west, in addition to landscaping and all site development works.
DkIT Sport, as the building will now be known, has been used by students since the turn of the year and was officially opened last Friday, with FAI President John Delaney attending.
It will open to the public in June and will be managed by the Holohan Leisure Group.
Its facilities will include a 20m swimming pool, changing rooms, steam room, jacuzzi, gym area, aerobic studio, indoor cycling studio, 10 indoor sports pitches and a dedicated high performance strength and conditioning training zone when fully operational.
The strength and conditioning training zone is the first of its kind in the county while the gym will include brand new, gold standard, Precor gym equipment.
The aim is to make DkIT sport “the best kitted out gym in Ireland.”
The indoor sports pitches will be available to local sports teams, clubs and the public for recreational use, as well as catering for children’s birthday parties.
A full timetable of group exercise classes will also be available.
The leisure centre will open on Monday June 29 and club membership options will be available to members of the general public.
A pre-opening membership sale is expected in early to mid June and will include use of the gym, studios, swimming pool, steam room and jacuzzi.
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