Fingal calls for public to share their views on proposed Baldoyle Community Centre

See link to the public consultation: Consult.fingal.ie Closing date for submissions 19 Jan, 2024, 5:00pm

A cutting-edge facility designed to foster community spirit and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Baldoyle and the surrounding area has been unveiled by Fingal County Council.

This ambitious project will help provide a new level of recreational, educational, and sporting activities in the heart of Baldoyle and will deliver a community space within the vast Racecourse Park. The new Community Centre will be a focal point for the community, with the site undergoing a transformation into a state-of-the-art facility, featuring a sports hall, multiple community rooms, changing facilities, and associated landscape improvements.

With an emphasis on sustainability and accessibility at its core, the Community Centre will feature a green roof and rain-garden, enhancing biodiversity and ecological value. The Centre's proposed circular design minimises visual disruption to the surrounding area. While there will be availability of 28 car parking spaces, the Centre encourages sustainable transportation modes with ample bike parking installed, including those for electric, cargo bikes, and scooters.

The newly designed energy-efficient circular building would feature:

• A central sports hall that could accommodate three courts;
• Four community/multipurpose/studio/meeting rooms;
• Externally accessible changing rooms, along with separate rooms for referees;
• Car park to accommodate accessible/disabled spaces and electric vehicle charging points.

Encouraging the public to share their views on the proposal, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy said: “Having a new community and sports centre in Baldoyle will be a wonderful asset for locals and visitors alike, helping to further enhance the thriving community. This much needed facility will be in the heart of the immediate neighbourhood and serve the needs of the local people by playing a vital role in bringing people together and encouraging people to take part, thus helping to build inclusive, engaged and safe communities.”

Surrounding the recreational centre, there will be pedestrian-friendly walkways and bike paths to promote active travel within the community. Additionally, the area will be enhanced with landscaped gardens.

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: “From the design of the building, to the surrounding landscape it will sit within, we are very eager to hear everyone's thoughts on what has been proposed. This project reflects our commitment to enhancing the lives of current and future residents of Baldoyle, and we believe it will quickly become a hub for activities and services that cater to all ages and abilities.”

In order to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population in the area, the new centre focuses on creating high-quality amenities and infrastructure that foster community engagement. It will be strategically located to serve a wide catchment area, ensuring accessibility to all residents within a 10-minute walking radius.

Paul Carroll, Acting Director of Housing  & Community Department states: “The Community Development Department are delighted to lead on the provision of this state of the art new community facility in the vibrant, diverse and growing community in Baldoyle. The new community facility will not only enhance the surrounding area but will also allow the community development division to work to build  a strong sustainable community by bringing people and groups of the surrounding areas together for the development of the community as a whole."

See link to the public consultation: Consult.fingal.ie Closing date for submissions 19 Jan, 2024, 5:00pm