Heron Bros Ltd is delighted to announce that works to the Neilston Learning Campus for longstanding client East Renfrewshire Council have now commenced on site.

On Friday the 24^th of June our Site team were joined by councilors, staff and learners to mark the beginning of work for this state-of-the-art facility for the Neilston Community and the people of East Renfrewshire Council.

The sod-cutting ceremony is a major milestone in the project, which will bring Neilston Primary School, Madras Family Centre and St Thomas’ Primary School together on a shared site.

Councilors, teachers and school children join Heron Bros site team for the Sod-cutting ceremony, a major milestone in the project.

The new facility is being built on ground within the site of the current Neilston Primary, allowing the existing school to continue running during construction. Once the new school and nursery facility is completed, the current Neilston Primary and Madras Family Centre will be demolished to allow an all-weather football pitch and multi-use games area to be created.

Having recently completed the Early Learning Expansion 2020 , a five project framework delivering five new nursery facilities across East Renfrewshire as well as the Joint Faith Schools Campus also in East Renfrewshire, Heron Bros are delighted to have begun initial enabling works and look forward to beginning construction over the summer.

East Renfrewshire Council Leader Owen O’Donnell said: ‘This sod cutting event officially marks the start of a new educational chapter in Neilston. The village has always enjoyed fantastic learning opportunities from the wonderful staff at Neilston Primary, St Thomas’ Primary and Madras Family Centre, but once this amazing shared campus is complete it will take things to the next level. From the Digi-Zone to the dedicated space for science, technology, engineering and maths and the fabulous outdoor spaces which will be created – this really will be a learning campus which will fire the imaginations of the children and young people who come here.’

Cathal Heron, Regional Director of Heron Bros stated ‘We are delighted to be continuing our longstanding relationship with East Renfrewshire Council to deliver the Neilston Learning Campus project. The new education and community facility will create a state-of-the-art hub for the Neilston Community to enjoy. We look forward to working with the Council, Design team and engaging with the schools and local community as the works progress.’

All smiles at Neilston Learning Campus sod-cutting ceremony.

Heron Bros has announced a significant seven figure investment and strategic partnership with the Belfast based The Electric Storage Company (TESC).

 
Group Managing Director of Heron Bros Damien O’Callaghan, Emmet Heron, Renewables Manager of Heron Bros pictured with Anne-Marie McGoldrick and Eddie McGoldrick of TESC

Established in 2017, TESC is bringing cheaper, smarter and greener electricity to customers in Northern Ireland, Ireland and GB.  TESC are using smart batteries to harness the energy created from renewable sources such as solar power and wind turbines.  Based on algorithms, customers can use that energy in their home or business, giving them more control and allowing them to reduce their electricity bills by over 50%. This investment from Heron Bros will now fast track TESC’s growth plans significantly and they plan to more than double their team of power and software engineers, and data scientists to 35 in the next 2-3 years.

Heron Bros, an award-winning construction and property development company which operates throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe is already experienced in the renewable space as lead partner in the renewable energy company, Simple Power which was at the forefront of wind energy production in Northern Ireland.

The partnership will enable the further roll out of the PARIS platform (Predictive Analytical Renewables Integration System). PARIS brings Fintech and GreenTech together using leading edge data analytics software to gather data from smart batteries in people’s homes and commercial buildings and then ensures they get the cheapest, greenest energy.

Damian O’Callaghan (Group Managing Director of Heron Bros), Eddie and Annie McGoldrick (Directors of TESC) and Emmet Heron (Renewables Manager, Heron Bros)

Speaking about the investment Damien O’Callaghan, Group MD, Heron Bros said; “The combined strengths of Heron Bros and The Electric Storage Company will now offer an exciting and innovative proposition to help our customers on the path to net zero. According to recent research from leading management consultancy McKinsey’s, real estate across homes and businesses accounts for about 40% of all Greenhouse gas emissions. It is our belief that by improving the efficiencies in real estate (both new construction and existing buildings) that most companies can realistically reduce more than half of their emissions between now and 2030. This significant investment and partnership are designed to help companies and individuals do just that.”

Eddie McGoldrick, Director TESC added; “The Electric Storage Company combines Northern Ireland’s expertise in power engineering, fintech and big data and we are now aiming to ‘scale up’ significantly to repeat our already successful smart approach to electricity usage across Ireland and GB. Our team are delighted to now partner with one of Northern Ireland’s leading construction and renewables development companies to fast track that growth. Our shared expertise in renewables and delivering innovative customer solutions for customers across the British Isles will bring lower costs to greener homes and businesses and help people to meet their net zero targets sooner.”

On Monday 6^th June, at the Construction Employers Federation AGM hosted at South West College Erne Campus, Deputy Group Managing Director of Heron Bros Ltd, Martin O’Kane was elected as the new President of The Construction Employers Federation.

Martin takes on the mantle from John Tracey, of Tracey Bros, who served from 2020 to 2022. Martin led the congratulations and appreciation for Johns work in his opening speech before accepting his election to the role.

Martin O’Kane, newly elected President of the CEF shaking hands with outgoing President John Tracey of Tracey Bros.

Martin stated “Thank you very much for electing me as president of the CEF, it’s a great honour for me personally, but also for Heron Bros, as it’s the first time anyone from the company has held this position.”

Martin has BSc Hons in Quantity Surveying from the University of Ulster, a Diploma in Project Management from Queens University, Belfast and became a Fellow in the RICS in 2015.

Originating from Limavady, Martin joined Heron Bros in 1994 and became a director in 1999, then progressed to Deputy Managing Director in 2005 and Deputy Group Managing Director in 2011. He is currently responsible for the Groups Construction Division and the development of the company’s property portfolio throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Everyone at Heron Bros. is extremely proud and wish Martin every success in the role of CEF President.

We look forward to working closely with the CEF to advancing the construction industry in Northern Ireland and Building The Future Together.

 
Martin O’Kane, Group Deputy Managing Director of Heron Bros and the newly elected President of the Construction Employers Federation

£6.5million investment to result in at least 30 new jobs.

Heron Bros Group has announced an investment of over £6.5 million in two of their subsidiary manufacturing businesses based in Cookstown, designed to meet growing market opportunities in the construction, refurbishment and fit out industries. This investment in new factory facilities and machinery across Heron Fit Out and Northern Mouldings Ltd, trading as Promould is expected to result in the creation of at least 30 new roles within the next 1-2 years. These roles will include a mix of manufacturing as well as sales and administrative positions across both neighbouring businesses which are based on the Drum Road in Cookstown.

 
Pictured at the new factory premises in Cookstown are (l-r) : Julian Knipe, Commercial Manager, Heron Fit Out; Chris McCreanor, General Manager, Northern Mouldings Ltd (Promould) and Martin Blaney, Manufacturing Director, Heron Bros.

Promould which has been in business for more than 20 years is a specialist manufacturer of MDF wrapped profiles for a wide range of applications including skirting, architrave, kitchen components. and door frames. Recognised as a market leader in this sector, they offer a wide product range with real wood veneer, specialised paper, PVC and painted profile finishes. Heron Fit Out meanwhile was established in 2017 and specialises in timber fire door manufacturing to the highest safety standards and primarily services UK and Ireland markets. Both businesses are increasingly complementing each other and benefit from the parentage of the wider Heron Bros Group in terms of market access, buying power and reputation.

The investment across both businesses has already seen production capabilities expand by over 50% and has helped deliver significant efficiencies in the process. Going forward, it is anticipated that the investment will also facilitate and support more product innovation and research and development opportunities across both businesses.

Speaking about the latest investment Martin Blaney, Manufacturing Director, Heron Bros said;

“This latest investment in our two manufacturing businesses in Cookstown represents a significant vote of confidence in the teams and the products they are delivering to meet changing market demands and new opportunities. We have experienced significant growth across both businesses in the last couple of years and believe that by delivering important synergies through this investment we will make both businesses even more innovative and competitive. This will now allow us to grow the team and our expertise to help deliver our ambitious growth plans for the manufacturing and supply side of the Heron Bros Group.”

The 2021 Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Companies in partnership with Grant Thornton has been launched at an event at Belfast’s Merchant Hotel to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the companies on the list.

Moving from 89^th to 50^th position in 2021, Heron Bros. are delighted to be named in the Top 100 companies which reflects the tremendous resilience in the face of unprecedented pressures resulting from the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.

Heron Bros. Ltd. was formed in 1956 by six brothers in Draperstown, and 65 years on, family values are retained as the core ethos of the business. The company’s principal activities are construction, joinery manufacturing, building suppliers, quarrying, property investment and development and it has developed a legacy of creating a positive impact across the construction sector throughout the island of Ireland and the UK.

The company’s growth continues to be driven through consolidation of existing operational sectors and the pursuit of new markets. The company controls and is responsible for the management and expansion of an extensive property portfolio which provides a sustainable annual profit, and the Directors are pleased to see a significant increase in rental income.

The company has diversified into the renewable energy sector through its HHT Renewables Division which is an integral part of the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy and their ultimate target of Net Carbon Zero.

Heron Bros is delivering landmark schemes in Northern Ireland, including redevelopment of the Northern Regional College, Coleraine; Belfast’s Paper Exchange Office Complex and the redevelopment of the iconic listed Templemore Baths, which is the fifth consecutive scheme secured as part of the £105m Belfast Leisure Transformation Programme.

Group Managing Director, Damien O’Callaghan stated, “We have an excellent pedigree in delivering world class sports and leisure facilities, which we have exported to Scotland in the delivery of the new Helensburgh Waterfront Development and Craigie Park Sports Development in Ayr”.

Group Managing Director; Damien O’Callaghan

In conjunction with Heron Property Ltd. they have recently extended their portfolio through the delivery of 70,000 sq. ft Grade A offices for AXA Insurance and have been awarded the development rights by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minster to construct 80,000 sq. ft of world class riverfront office accommodation at Ebrington Plaza.

Ebrington Plaza

The company has strengthened its management structures with the introduction of Associate Directors as part of its ongoing succession planning. They have recently expanded into new state of the art company headquarters at Draperstown and continue to invest in new plant and equipment across all business operations. A particular focus has been the implementation of a digital transformation programme to enhance and streamline its business operations and ensure systems continuity and resilience.

The company has been decorated with numerous industry awards for both its projects, it’s people and its company ethos including the prestigious Investors In People Platinum Global Employer of the Year 2020, for their approach and management of the business and the welfare of its employees throughout the COVID pandemic.

Deputy Group Managing Director, Martin O’Kane commented “It is well recognised that the coronavirus pandemic is one of the greatest health challenges ever faced globally, requiring national and local governments to implement extreme measures to combat the spread of the virus. This had a significant impact on the economy as a whole. The health & wellbeing of our staff and their families is always our biggest priority and integral to our ESG Strategy.”

Heron Bros. are immensely proud of Apprentice Engineer Annie Crozier on her achievement of being announced as the inaugural winner of the Construction Employers’ Federation Apprentice of the Year in the Construction Person of the Year Awards. Annie’s enthusiasm for the job and the industry is infectious and she proactively seeks to improve her knowledge of developing construction technologies. Annie has shown a positive approach to career development, proactively completing CPD that will improve her engineering competencies, as well as demonstrating strong leadership and teamwork skills both on site and through providing mentorship to placement and graduate engineers at Heron Bros.

What does it mean to you to be the CEF apprentice of the year?

I am absolutely honoured and delighted to have won the CEF Apprentice of the Year. I am very grateful for the opportunities and support Heron Bros. have provided me with so far in my career. It is very encouraging to have been recognised for this award and I’m excited to see what lies ahead in the future.

How long did the process take and what did it entail?

I was nominated for the award in April 2021 and received word that I had been shortlisted as a finalist in June. As a finalist I was required to carry out a 45-minute interview with a judging panel in August, which included a presentation and a Q&A to show how I met the criteria for the award.

What made you want to pursue a career in the construction industry?

Growing up into a family who are involved in construction I have always been intrigued by the way something can come from nothing. Being able to watch various projects beginning with a green field site, to the end product of a house, apartment block or large shed, which then became someone’s home or new business premises, always intrigued me and I always said I wanted to be able to achieve similar in the future. After I finished school, I travelled around Australia for 10 months, where I saw the world of Engineering portrayed even more. It was also very obvious that there was a greater number of women on site, which give me a further push to pursue a career in Civil Engineering.

What was your route into the construction industry?

After completing my A-Levels I took a gap year to travel to Australia, before I applied with Heron Bros. to complete an apprenticeship in Civil Engineering. This was a two-year course, which required me to attend South West College in Omagh one day a week studying a course in Civil and Environmental Engineering, whilst gaining experiencing working with Heron Bros. the remaining four days on site.

After achieving a distinction in my Foundation Degree, I made the decision to further my studies in Civil Engineering. I am currently studying BEng Civil Engineering at Ulster University and I hope to graduate in June 2022.

How do you hope your career to develop?

I hope to graduate next year whilst continuing to gain experience, building on my skills on site as an Engineer. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to experience many different aspects of a job from start through to finish, on a range of different projects.

From being involved in the digitisation with Heron Bros., my eyes have opened to the abundance of opportunities available through the digital revolution in transforming the construction industry and I am very keen to be involved.

My ultimate desire is to become a Chartered Civil Engineer with ICE or CIOB. I aspire to continually progress, develop and advance in my career with Heron Brothers, following the clear progression pathway that has been set out.

Why did you choose the apprenticeship route as opposed to full time further education?

I have always been a hands-on learner, so learning through doing as an apprentice as opposed to being classroom based as a full-time student, was always going to be a positive.

Studying through apprenticeship gave me a greater insight into Civil Engineering, as you had the chance to convert your knowledge from modules onto site and vice versa, and helped me to gain skills I wouldn’t have got from class alone.

As an apprentice you are given the opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’. Not only to earn money, but earn experience, skills, professional relationships and networks, potential and independence.

Learning through apprenticeship allows you to gain a wealth of knowledge and a greater understanding of the role of an Engineer, through hands on learning, before even becoming qualified. I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone thinking of getting into the construction industry as it is in my opinion, the best route to pursue a career in engineering.

What skills do you believe you have that have allowed you to be successful thus far in your career as an apprentice engineer?

I would say that I am very driven and determined to work hard to do well in my career. I pride myself in being a hard worker and strive to complete all tasks to the highest standard, both at work and in my studies. I always strive to be the best I can be.

Enthusiasm, willingness to learn and the motivation to succeed, improve and progress play a big part of being an apprentice engineer, as you are constantly learning new skills on the job every day.

I have realised the importance of confidence, confidence in myself, the role and communication with others.

What projects have you enjoyed working on and why since joining Heron Bros.?

I have been lucky to have been involved in the delivery of five construction projects, and have recently began on my sixth. It’s difficult to pick just one as I’ve got to experience a wide variety of stages within each of the projects.

I enjoyed my first project Brook Leisure Centre in Belfast, which was part of the £105 million Belfast Leisure Transformation Project. I found this project very interesting and thought it was a great site to begin my apprenticeship, as there was so much variety as to the jobs that were being carried out. As this was one of the bigger projects going on at this time, I got to shadow a calibre of experienced engineers.

For me, the turning point in my career, where I gained more confidence in myself, was the Heron Bros. plant maintenance garage. Although it wasn’t a massive project, it was a massive project to me as I was the only engineer along with a project manager for the majority of the job. I was given a lot of responsibility on site early on in my career, which was very reassuring and made me confident of the opportunities I would have as an Engineer with Heron Bros. There were so many different aspects in such a small project, which I really enjoyed and felt it allowed me to learn a lot.

I am currently working on the £40 million Northern Regional College campus in Coleraine. I am really looking forward to see the project develop through the different stages through to completion and am excited to be a part of the team in its delivery.

How important has mentoring from experienced engineers at Heron Bros. been to your development as an apprentice engineer?

The mentoring I have received from experienced engineers at Heron Bros. has been second to none and is one of the things I am most grateful for. Without it I wouldn’t be where I am today. Coming into the construction industry as an apprentice I was dependent on the training I received from engineers, learning from their past experiences and gaining the knowledge and skills I needed to grow as engineer.

Every engineer I have worked with has been very supportive and more than helpful, giving me the guidance to develop in my career.

As a career why would you recommend the construction industry to women?

There is so much diversity within the Construction industry, no working day is the same. The opportunities and career paths are endless with Civil Engineering and it is a very rewarding industry to be a part of. I would promote the role to any other female who enjoys being outdoors and learning something new every day.

On Tuesday 31st August, the Heron Bros. Helensburgh Waterfront Development project team were joined by dignitaries from the Argyll and Bute Council to celebrate the significant progress at the Leisure facilities which coincided with the one year anniversary of Heron Bros. beginning the project on site.

Despite the obvious challenges to the construction industry encountered due to the pandemic this landmark leisure facilities project is on track to open in 2022 with work having begun in August 2020.

Cathal Heron, regional director for Heron Bros, commented: “Heron Bros is extremely pleased with the progress made to date as we mark such a key milestone for the project. The celebration represents a high point not only for the project build, but for the entire project team, who have worked so effectively together in making such impressive progress.”

The Argyll and Bute Council’s £22million development will provide residents and visitors with exquisite leisure facilities with new swimming and studio pools, a gym and café which overlooks stunning views of the Clyde.

The Helensburgh Waterfront Development is designed to be fully accessible for all users and includes:

• Pool pod access facilities to enable wheelchair users and anyone with mobility issues to independently access the pool.
• A moveable floor in the studio pool, making it easier for all swimming abilities
• A Changing places toilet with hoist equipment and a changing bench

Councillor Gary Mulvaney, policy lead, financial services and major projects, said: “This development not only offers a first class facility for residents and visitors, it provides vital skills and training to the next generation, and support for the local economy now when it needs it.

“With ongoing Covid restrictions, it has taken a huge team effort from the council, Heron Bros and our internal and external design consultants to get us to this important milestone.

“It is remarkable to think of the progress to date considering the back office staff behind the Waterfront Development are working remotely to deliver the project.

“The progress achieved in the face of considerable challenge is a testament to the power of partnership and professionalism. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Pictured from L-R: Jamie McBride (Placement Engineer, Heron Bros.), Cathal Heron (Regional Director, Heron Bros.), Pippa Milne (Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Council) , Daniel Green (Apprentice Engineer, Heron Bros.)

The project is creating vital training and experience for people starting out with their careers. Both Heron Bros. and The Argyll & Bute Council offer a number of work placements and opportunities including; Apprenticeships in civil engineering, stonemasonry, joinery, plumbing and electrician, trainee quantity surveyors and civil engineering graduates.

Over 80 people on site enjoyed a breakfast to mark the one year anniversary event before the local dignitaries were given a tour and an update on the progress that has been made.

One year after construction began, the main building is structurally complete, with the external Lomond stone blockwork and glazing installed, there are new flood defences for the town and landscaping is well underway.

As the main contractor we are proud to be supporting a number of community projects within the Argyll & Bute area having supported many local charities and having supplied materials to help initiatives such as the Helensburgh Community Centre.

We look forward to leaving a lasting legacy in the Helensburgh area with these state-of-the-art leisure facilities in such a stunning location overlooking the Clyde.

The Chartered Institute of Building has named Fergus Brown as a finalist for the 2021 Construction Manager of the Year Awards, in the category Schools over £20 million.

The good news doesn’t stop there as The CIOB have also named our Belfast Leisure Transformation Project Team as a finalist in the team of the year category.

Commercial Director of Heron Bros., Noel Mullan stated upon the announcement “It is always a great honour to be recognised by the CIOB at their prestigious Construction Manager of the Year Awards, and to be shortlisted for two categories is simply fantastic. We are delighted that both Fergus Brown and The Belfast Leisure Transformation Project Team have reached the final and their success serves to highlight that our people are what makes Heron Bros. Ltd the great company it is today.”

Focusing on people rather than projects CMYA, run by the Chartered Institute of Building, offers a unique chance for managers in construction to compare themselves with their peers. It is the gold standard of award accolades. The competition has been running for more than 40 years. It is open to all site-based and programme managers, whether they are CIOB members or not

Caroline Gumble Chief Executive of the CIOB said: “Our CMYA competition seeks out the very best of leadership and talent in our sector so my congratulations to everyone who’s made it to the finalists list this year. These awards are a barometer for the management talent in our sector and those who have reached the final are an example of excellence in construction. We applaud them and their professionalism.”

Finalists in this year’s final represent billions of pounds of built assets.  Each category has a Gold and Silver medal winner, the overall winner, Construction Manager of the Year, is chosen from the Gold Medallists.

‘I am delighted to be named as a finalist in the schools category in the Construction Manager of the Year Awards for the work we completed at ERC Early Years 2020.’ Fergus Brown , Associate Director of Contracts.

Inset: Eaglesham Nursery School – one of the five project framework of the Early Learning Expansion 2020, delivered by Heron Bros.

Fergus was in charge of managing the delivery for Heron Bros. of the Early Learning Expansion 2020, a five-project Framework, for East Renfrewshire Council. The £24m project is part of the Scottish Government’s Schools for the Future investment programme. The Framework delivered state-of-the-art educational facilities for 660 pupil places that improve and enhance early learning provision within East Renfrewshire.

The Team of the Year award, also run by the CIOB, recognises how important teamwork is to the industry. To reach the final those nominated have had to demonstrate a clear vision and purpose for their project, inclusive working practices, an innovative approach to solving unique problems and a mindset that puts the focus on client satisfaction.

Caroline Gumble Chief Executive of the CIOB said: “The CIOB has long been an advocate of collaborative working and supporting partners throughout the supply chain. The importance of our clients and the influence they have on the sector cannot be underestimated. This award celebrates the finest examples of innovation, best practice and teamwork between industry and its clients. My congratulations to the organisations who made it to our Client of the Year shortlist.”

It is a great honour for Heron Bros. to be named in this category and Operations Director, Keith Farren remarked “Being named as a finalist in the Team of the Year category of the CIOB Awards is fantastic recognition for our Belfast Leisure Transformation team.  They delivered a highly successful project due to the great team attributes shown by everyone involved and communication with all stakeholders throughout the project. “

Inset: Andersonstown Leisure centre, one of the leisure facilities delivered by the Heron Bros. Belfast Leisure Transformation Project Team

The Belfast Leisure Transformation Project is a £105 Million investment by Belfast City Council to improve leisure centres, programmes and services. A unique opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of the city, by delivering state of the art facilities that meets the needs of the communities. Heron Bros completed work on three state of the art leisure facilities including, Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre, formally known as the Robinson Centre, Brook Leisure Centre and Andersonstown. Each Facility offer a unique selling point which will encourage people to move across the city to use the different facilities. Since then, Heron Bros. have acquired the contracts for Avoniel and Templemore Baths leisure facilities which are also apart of the BLTP.

Medallists and the overall winner will be crowned at an awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 29 September 2021.

Further information about the awards is available at www.cmya.co.uk

We were delighted to welcome Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl to Templemore Baths this July to check up on the progress of the restoration and regeneration of this historically significant project.

Lord Mayor @KateNicholl visited Templemore Baths today with @HeritageFundNI to view work being carried out through our #TransformingLeisure programme. Construction is continuing to restore & extend the existing building to provide world-class facilities – https://t.co/Pyf3X6Lxch pic.twitter.com/RIbXmsXft6

— Belfast City Council (@belfastcc) July 9, 2021

The Lord Mayor was joined by representatives from the National Lottery Heritage fund and the leisure operator GLL for a guided tour of the £17million project by Heron Bros. Project Manager, Diarmuid Mullan.

The project will see many of the building’s original heritage features sympathetically restored. Work to-date has seen the brickwork on the Baths’ iconic chimney and caretaker’s cottage repointed, a new roof placed over a courtyard area where a new café will be located, drainage upgrades throughout the building and substantial timber repair works.

Over the next year, other key features will be restored including the laundry room, swimming pool and slipper baths. Extensive interpretive space will also be developed to tell the story of the Baths’ history and its importance to the local community. A new extension which is also underway will provide an additional six lane 25 metre pool, spa facilities and a fitness suite.

Councillor Nicholl said: “Templemore is an iconic building where thousands of children over many decades learned to swim, so it holds a special place in people’s hearts. As the sole surviving Victorian public baths on the island of Ireland, it is also one of Belfast’s most historically significant buildings, so I am delighted to see so much care and attention being put into its restoration.

“This is one of seven new and upgraded leisure facilities that make up Belfast City Council’s £105 million Leisure Transformation Programme – the biggest investment of its kind in the UK. This investment demonstrates the importance that Council puts on the health and wellbeing of our citizens. The opening of the new Avoniel this autumn followed by the completion of Templemore in autumn 2022 will be a huge boost to the area.”

Belfast City Council is investing £12 million in the project, with the remaining £5 million coming from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Mukesh Sharma, Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Northern Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to meet with the Lord Mayor today to check in on the progress of the restoration of Templemore Baths. This is a significant investment for The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which will not only preserve and restore the fabric of the building itself, but seek to uncover the fascinating history and many stories connected with its past. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will mean many more people will have the opportunity to explore the unique heritage of this important local landmark.”

Jacqui Pope, Head of Service at GLL, said: “This is an incredibly exciting project to be involved with and we are looking forward to offering state of the art facilities in such a unique setting. We want everyone to lead healthy and active lives and we are committed to supporting individuals and communities to make healthy lifestyle choices.  We are confident that projects like this help us to achieve our mission of getting more people, more active, more often in Belfast”.