CONSULTANT TO LOOK AT CANON'S FIELD PROPOSALS
An independent consultant has been commissioned to look at the proposed and long awaited leisure centre development for the canon’s field in Mitchelstown. Chairman of the leisure centre committee Ben Lynch is confident that the consultant’s report will be ready for presentation to the people of Mitchelstown in the coming weeks.
“This report will tell us if the facilities we want are feasible, viable and, most importantly, sustainable going forward for years to come. The suggested development which is a combination of a community leisure centre, community and enterprise centre, and indoor sports arena, outdoor sports facilities and a tennis club, will still have enough room for a swimming pool should the opportunity arise to build one in the coming years,” Mr Lynch told The Avondhu this week.
Responding to criticism that the money raised by the community in Mitchelstown was for a leisure centre and not for any other project Mr Lynch said, “Back in 1994 the idea was to provide Mitchelstown with improved infrastructure, there was a focus on leisure facilities certainly but when the company was set up the memorandum and articles of association clearly state that the project would cover both leisure and enterprise facilities.
"Up to now we have invited people to submit proposals for the site at the canon’s field. The Forum made a proposal for an enterprise centre and this, like all the other proposals, will be looked at as part of the report from the independent consultant. It is not a foregone conclusion by any means but you have to start somewhere. The site will be an integrated campus for the community.
"If the site is developed as we have suggested it should you will have daytime activities taking place along with evening events, it will be a facility for the community that is sustainable for the future,” Mr Lynch said.
There will be a public meeting called to discuss the consultant’s findings before Christmas.
The chairman of the Mitchelstown Forum Tom Whelton welcomes the announcement that an independent consultant is to be appointed, “Like the other groups that have made proposals for the canon’s field and the Forum’s proposal for an enterprise centre will be studied by the consultants. We welcome this appointment it will move the process along,” Mr Whelton said.
Community representative at the Forum, Kay Dawson, also welcomed the appointment of the consultant; “We have an opportunity now to get the best for Mitchelstown. I would say, however, that the people need to be informed at every stage,” she told The Avondhu.
Published:
Thursday 3rd September 7:40pm
