Fifty years on from the opening of Leisureland, Galway City Council in partnership with the Leisureland Board are to begin the commencement of a public engagement process as they look to reimagine the Leisureland site for its next 50 years.
Leisureland has been serving the community of Salthill and Galway City with thousands of people having learned to swim in the facility, while many more have attended a concert, performed on the stage, or visited the amusements and the Board are looking to secure that role as a public amenity into the future.
However, with the passing of time and continued use throughout the 50 years, Leisureland no longer meets the standards for a modern sustainable facility. Leisureland and the neighbouring Salthill Park present a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide modern facilities and experiences that can match any destination in the world over 12 acres of space in the heart of Salthill.
Leisureland, Galway City Council and their partners at the Urban Lab at University of Galway will begin engaging with the public to see how this site can be reimagined to its full potential.
Galway Mayor Cllr Eddie Hoare stated that Leisureland has been an incredible facility for the people of Galway and currently has over 3,000 people a week getting swimming lessons.
“This engagement process is crucial to ensure it continues to serve the needs and want of the people of Galway and I would encourage everyone to get involved,” he said.
A blank canvas will be presented to the public to fill with endless possibilities of what this site can become. To ensure we are serving the future needs of the Galway public and to make certain we are using the brightest minds in the city with the biggest imaginations, the engagement will commence in local schools with the youth of the city.
The engagement will then expand to other stakeholder groups including current users of the facilities, local residents, visitors to the city and business interests.
Cllr Donal Lyon, Chairperson of the Leisureland board staid he welcomes the commencement of the public engagement process for the redevelopment of Leisureland.
“This site has so much potential, and I am looking forward to seeing the feedback that comes in from the public in relation to these plans.
“I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the present staff under Ian Brennan and the contribution of the various boards members over the years that made Leisureland the success it now is,” he said.
