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Plans unveiled for new Olympic-size swimming pool

News imageGetty A woman in a pink swimming hat and black bathing costume stands at the edge of a swimming pool.Getty
New plans will see the redevelopment of Templemore Sports Complex and the creation of an Olympic-size 50-metre, eight-lane swimming pool

Plans have been unveiled for a £100m investment at Templemore Sports Complex in Londonderry, including the creation of an Olympic-size, eight-lane swimming pool.

The plans were endorsed at a special meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council and will see the redevelopment of the leisure centre, which was built in the 1970s.

In addition, there would be a separate leisure and teaching pool, a toddler pool, and water recreation features such as family flumes and a splash area.

Currently, the Aurora aquatic and leisure complex in Bangor, County Down, is the only pool in Northern Ireland considered Olympic-sized.

News imageBangor Aurora Swimming Pool. a number of lanes are visible and an empty seating area is in the background
The Aurora aquatic and leisure complex in Bangor, County Down, is currently the only pool in Northern Ireland considered to be Olympic-sized.

Templemore sports complex will also house an international-standard eight-court sports hall, a state-of-the-art fitness suite, wellness spa, spin studio and squash courts.

Outdoor facilities will include a full-sized floodlit 3G GAA pitch, a dedicated 3G football pitch, three grass football pitches, a refurbished floodlit running track and extensive walking trails.

Councillors were told that a team of consultants had already begun work on the project.

News imageGoogle An outside shot of Templemore Sports Complex in Derry.A large green and brown building. Four people are standing outside waving. Google
Templemore sports complex on the Buncrana Road in Derry was built in the 1970s

A competitive tender process is also underway for the disposal of surplus lands at Buncrana Road to help support the wider development.

Design teams are currently reviewing concept plans which aim to reduce the project's whole-life carbon footprint.

News imageDCSDC A map of the plans DCSDC
The council hopes to see the state-of-the-art complex open by 2030/31

'World-class facility'

The council said it will fund the £100m capital costs through long-term rates investment.

A formal public consultation on the proposed outdoor facilities is scheduled for early 2026, with a full planning application expected to be submitted later this year.

Subject to statutory approvals, the complex is currently targeted to open in 2030/31.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Ruairí McHugh, who chaired the meeting, said the approval marked a major milestone for the city.

"The endorsement of the Templemore masterplan represents a significant step towards delivering a world-class leisure facility for our community," he said.

"This development will meet the growing needs of our sports clubs and residents while setting new standards for sustainable, net-zero public infrastructure."