Newcastle and Mourne District Council has scheduled a public consultation event on the redevelopment of leisure facilities at the Newcastle Centre. The event, titled Framing the Question, takes place on Monday, April 20, from 6pm to 8pm at the town centre facility.

Residents, local businesses, community organisations, sports clubs and stakeholders may attend. The council aims to collect perspectives from the community before advancing design options.

Council chairperson Philip Campbell called on those interested to participate. He stated the project could deliver a modern multipurpose facility to support sport, recreation, health and wellbeing in Newcastle.

In October, the council selected the Newcastle Centre as its preferred site for the leisure complex. The following month, members approved hiring an integrated consultancy team for design and delivery of the £12m project.

Belfast firm McAdam Design received the appointment in late January. Additional events may follow if attendance proves high.

Participants will address facility needs, community use opportunities, sport and leisure provision, and long-term service to locals. This stage precedes formal planning and shapes initial proposals.