GLL, the social enterprise that operates the 16 Better leisure centres on behalf of Belfast City Council, has continued its investment in Belfast’s leisure and fitness facilities with the completion of a £130,000 refurbishment project at Ballysillan Leisure Centre.
The works have been delivered as part of an overall £720,000 investment programme being implemented by GLL this winter across the city, with upgrades also taking place at Whiterock Leisure Centre and Better Gym Connswater.
The completed works were unveiled today (October 15), at an official opening for the refurbished centre, attended by Councillors Fred Cobain, Ian McLaughlin and Jordan Doran.
The reception area has undergone a complete transformation, with the removal of the old large reception desk and installation of a new slimline concierge station. New glass panelling and balustrades have replaced the old metal barriers, while the entire area has been redecorated with new flooring, ceiling tiles and painting in an agreed colour scheme. A new social and pool viewing area has been created, complete with a camera viewing system, soft furnishings, new vending machines and fresh branding and welcome signage.
The first phase of the gym refurbishment saw the old pool viewing area converted into a new cardio and fixed resistance space. Dividing walls and raised flooring were removed to create one large, accessible gym area. The space has been modernised with new flooring, black ceiling tiles, electrical works to support the new layout, feature lighting and relocated equipment, providing members with a refreshed and connected training environment.
Throughout the phased refurbishment works, Ballysillan Leisure Centre remained open to members. A temporary entrance through the pitch changing area was used while the reception and front entrance were upgraded. Customers were kept fully informed through in-centre signage, digital updates and email communications, with positive feedback received both in-person and on social media as the works progressed.
Gareth Kirk, Senior Regional Director, GLL, said: “Our investment in Ballysillan Leisure Centre is part of a wider programme to enhance facilities across the city, ensuring that our members and local communities have access to modern, welcoming spaces that support health and wellbeing.
“Our status as a social enterprise means that we reinvest our surplus back into our facilities. That means that we can deliver these kinds of projects that directly benefit our customers across Belfast and will continue to do so. We hope that the local community around Ballysillan get to grips with their new equipment as soon as possible and continue to enjoy the facilities on offer.
“Between 2019 and 2024, GLL reinvested over £2 million in leisure facilities in Belfast and this year’s investment will bring that figure to over £3 million. We are committed to reinvesting as much as possible to continuously improving the leisure offering in Belfast.”
Councillor Fred Cobain, Deputy Chairperson, Belfast City Council People and Communities Committee, said: “Ballysillan Leisure Centre plays an important role in supporting health and wellbeing in the north of the city. This refurbishment provides a much-improved space for the local community to stay active and enjoy high-quality leisure facilities. We welcome this latest investment by GLL and look forward to the local community reaping the benefits.”
