Investment in Shankill Leisure Centre

An exciting investment at Shankill Leisure Centre is set to bring padel, the world's fastest-growing sport, to Belfast while ensuring existing sports hall activities remain at the heart of the facility. Following constructive discussions with Belfast City Councillors and local user groups, GLL, the social enterprise operating under the Better brand, has developed a hybrid solution that unlocks new opportunities for growth and participation without displacing established community sports.

The proposals, originally approved by Belfast City Council as part of an interim investment programme ahead of wider leisure transformation plans, will see a £240,000 investment from GLL to introduce a new padel court, enhance the reception area, and improve the overall customer experience.

Following constructive engagement with Belfast City Council, local sports clubs and community representatives, GLL has reviewed its proposals for Shankill Leisure Centre to ensure the planned investment reflects local needs and priorities.

Working in partnership with Belfast City Council and local groups, GLL has developed a hybrid model that broadens participation, attracts new audiences and maximises the use of the centre for the benefit of the local community. The revised approach will enable investment in new padel court facilities, while ensuring established clubs and community organisations can continue to use the sports hall for activities including futsal, five-a-side football, and netball.

Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said:

“It's important that we take a partnership approach to developing our leisure facilities, recognising both the opportunities that investment can bring and the value of the activities and groups that are already part of our local communities.

“I welcome the work being undertaken by GLL to engage with existing users and explore a way forward that can accommodate a broader range of activities at Shankill Leisure Centre. We want to see more people coming through the doors, whether that's to try padel for the first time or to take part in the sporting activities that have long been important to the centre.

“By continuing to work together, we can look at how best to make use of the facilities, attract new participants, and ensure Shankill Leisure Centre remains an important resource for the local community.”

Jacqui Pope, Head of Service, GLL, said:

“We are pleased that, through continued engagement and a positive working partnership with Belfast City Council, we can explore a way forward that supports investment in Shankill Leisure Centre while recognising the importance of its existing users.

“Our £240,000 investment represents a significant commitment to the future of the centre. We want to introduce new opportunities, including padel, improve the customer experience through a new reception area, and ensure that established groups can continue to enjoy activities such as futsal, dander ball, and netball.

“Ultimately, we want to see more people using Shankill Leisure Centre, whether they are coming to try something new or continuing to take part in the activities that have been part of the centre for years. By working together, we believe we can deliver a facility that serves a broader section of the community.”