Why Is Loughside Leisure Centre Still Closed After £21k Council Spend?

Concerns are mounting in North Belfast after it was revealed that Belfast City Council has spent more than £21,000 on Loughside Recreation Centre since it closed its doors to the public at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the facility not being open to ratepayers, records show that the Council has incurred costs totalling £21,482.48 for maintenance and upkeep. This expenditure covered various essential works, including alarms, ceilings, electrical systems, lighting, plumbing, walls, and heating over the last few years.

Detailed figures show that in 2022 alone, the Council spent £15,672.13 on the site, with £11,249.95 of that amount dedicated to lighting. Spending has since reduced, with £2,025.87 spent in 2023, £3,112.25 in 2024, and £672.23 in 2025.

While the centre remains closed to general users, parts of the site are still actively used by local sports groups. Loughside FC currently utilises two grass pitches, along with the changing and toilet facilities, while Crusaders FC operates its own 3G pitch on the grounds. Both clubs share access to the car park.

Craig Frampton, who served the leisure centre for over 30 years until 2021, voiced his deep disappointment regarding the situation. He accused the Council of neglecting the site for decades, suggesting a deliberate strategy to declare the centre unviable and close it permanently. Mr Frampton noted that he believes Loughside is the only Council building that has not reopened following the pandemic, and called for greater transparency from Council officers.

Phillip Brett, DUP MLA for the area, echoed these frustrations, stating that the community in Lower North Belfast deserves the same 'investment, upkeep, and ambition' as other areas of the city. He described the spending as a ‘poor return for ratepayers’ and stressed that this level of neglect of Council property would not be acceptable elsewhere.

Mr Brett is urging the Council to act decisively to end the ‘long-running stagnation’ and deliver a comprehensive plan to regenerate the Loughside site, ensuring it provides tangible benefits for local residents and teams.

In response to the figures and community concerns, a spokesperson for Belfast City Council confirmed that it is currently delivering a £105 million Leisure Transformation Programme across the city. While Loughside is not included in this major programme, the Council stated that work is underway to develop future options for facilities not covered by the current transformation plans.

The spokesperson assured residents that any future decisions regarding the leisure centre will be taken by elected members following a review and thorough consultation with local stakeholders, including residents.