COUNCIL was expected to pull the plug on moves to sell the Albert Basin last night (Monday), leaving the prospect of a new leisure complex for Newry and Mourne dead in the water.
The historic site was put on the open market in March amid much fanfare and its sale was intended to finance a new leisure facility for the district.
But the Democrat can reveal that the Basin described by its vendors as a “pivotal location” and “a unique opportunity to realise an innovative redevelopment scheme for the heart of Newry city” – attracted only two bids.
One was for £2.5m and proposed developing a medical centre at the Basin, while the second was an offer of £10m from Parker Green.
And, in a behind-closed-doors meeting on Wednesday, it was decided to reject both bids and take no further action. The decision was due to be ratified at last night’s full council meeting.
Newry councillor Brendan Curran (pictured) said that should the process collapse, the blame lies squarely with council officials, who he claimed “mismanaged it from the outset”.
“There’s been a fortune spent on getting this off the ground, visiting different leisure centres in England and all over Ireland, paying for planners, solicitors and consultants and all this effort has now ground to a halt,” the Sinn Fein rep said.
“The entire proposal has fallen flat on its face and the much lauded new leisure centre for Newry is in jeopardy.
“What I’m concerned about is what will happen when our current swimming pool is no longer suitable. This pool was constructed in the 1960s and is approaching 50 years old.
“The people of Newry and the surrounding areas deserve access to the best of facilities and I feel they have been sorely let down by the council.
“For this reason I’m calling for an emergency council meeting to deal with this issue and see if anything can be salvaged from the wreckage of these plans.”
The Democrat put several queries to council about the situation but a spokeswoman said they would not be answered by the time of going to print.
“Council has met on this matter and it will be considered on Monday, July 5 at the Monthly Meeting,” she said. “A press statement will be issued after the meeting.”