A planning application has been submitted to Derry City and Strabane District Council for a new, state-of-the-art leisure centre at the Canal Basin in Strabane, marking a key step forward for the project.

Councillors on the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee were told the move follows extensive public engagement. Feedback from residents, sports clubs, community groups, governing bodies and equality organisations has shaped the design and mix of facilities to better reflect local needs and aspirations.

The new complex is intended to replace the existing Riversdale Leisure Centre with a modern, accessible, future-focused venue that meets the health, wellbeing and leisure requirements of the community.

Situated on a prominent town-centre site bounded by Canal Link, Dock Street and Derry Road, the development is set to play a central role in the regeneration of the Canal Basin and Strabane's wider town centre.

An earlier public consultation involving more than 700 participants led to significant upgrades to the proposed facility mix, including a larger eight-lane swimming pool and double squash courts. As part of the formal pre-application process, the Council ran public information events, stakeholder meetings and an online survey. Of those who responded, 77% supported the scheme. People highlighted the need for high-quality swimming provision, accessibility, family-friendly amenities and opportunities for wider community use. A dedicated youth survey reported strong support, notably for enhanced leisure water features, fitness spaces, social areas and inclusive design.

Subject to planning approval, the plans include a 25-metre, eight-lane main pool, a training pool with a children's play area, and steam and sauna facilities. Spa provision would feature treatment rooms, an infrared sauna and a vitality pool. A café and foyer, a squash court, multi-purpose rooms and studios, a large fitness suite and a dedicated spin studio are also proposed. The enhanced facilities are intended to expand sport, health and wellbeing programmes for users of all ages and abilities, encouraging greater participation and supporting improved health outcomes. The leisure centre is a core element of the Strabane Town Centre Regeneration Project within the Derry~Londonderry and Strabane City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund. It is the first major planning application to come forward for the transformational Canal Basin site, signalling progress towards a long-term vision for this strategic location. The project is planned alongside a new Health Hub and a North West Regional College campus, creating a town-centre destination focused on health, wellbeing, education and community development. It will also strengthen connections to the active travel network, including links to the greenway, to make the centre more accessible for residents and visitors. The partnership is led by Derry City and Strabane District Council with the Western Health and Social Care Trust, North West Regional College, the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) and the Department for Communities.

By locating the facility in the town centre, the scheme aims to increase activity and footfall in the Canal Basin and support broader regeneration. Together with existing cultural and civic assets such as the Alley Theatre and Strabane Library, it will help create a vibrant destination where people can access leisure, education, health and cultural services alongside local shops. Improved pedestrian routes, enhanced public realm, a new pedestrian bridge and stronger links to surrounding neighbourhoods are designed to make the area more active, connected and accessible.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais, welcomed the submission and progress to date.

She said: "It is good news to see the plans for the new Strabane Leisure Centre reach this important stage. There has been considerable work to get the project to this point, including valuable engagement with the local community, whose feedback has helped inform the development of the proposals. The new leisure centre is a hugely important element of the wider regeneration of the Canal Basin and our City Deal investment in Strabane. We are now seeing these transformative projects advancing at pace, and it is exciting to see the vision for this key town-centre site continuing to take shape.

"As the first planning application to come forward within the Canal Basin regeneration programme, this represents a significant milestone for Strabane and a clear demonstration of the progress being made through City Deal investment. The leisure centre will not only provide outstanding sporting and leisure facilities but will help unlock the wider vision for a thriving town-centre destination bringing together health, education, active travel and community services."

She added that the investment is a significant commitment by Council, delivering high-quality, modern and accessible facilities while driving wider regeneration, improving connections and bringing new activity into the heart of Strabane.

The Council will continue to engage with stakeholders as the application progresses and through subsequent development stages, with the aim of delivering a modern, accessible and sustainable leisure facility for the Strabane area.

A copy of the report is available at - meetings.derrycityandstrabanedistrict.com/documents/s55893/Strabane%20Leisure.pdf