Lisnagelvin Leisure Centre development out to tender with offers sought 'well in excess' of £600,000

The local authority is seeking expressions of interest for the redevelopment of the disused former leisure centre in the heart of the Waterside.

The deadline for submissions is December 14.

Lisney, the leading estate agency, has described the former swimming pool and sports complex at the junction of Lisnagelvin Road and Richill Park, as a prime development opportunity for prospective applicants.

The entire site extends to approximately 2.76 acres and is 'within walking distance of Lisnagelvin Shopping Centre, Altnagelvin Hospital and Lisnagelvin Retail Park'.

While the centre will hold holds fond memories for generations who grew up with the spectacular wave machine in the old Lisnagelvin swimming pool, it is, says Lisney, suitable for a wide range of uses subject to the acquisition of the necessary planning permission.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed that a new procurement process to conclude the disposal of lands at the former Lisnagelvin Leisure Centre has been developed and is currently live and open until 12 noon on December 14.

The tender is for a 35.5 month period and will run until November 28, 2025.

According to the tender notice the Council intends to ‘sell the site by way of long lease to the appointed developer in accordance with and subject to the terms of a development agreement’.

The local authority is specifically seeking proposals for the mixed-use commercial development of the site and expects the successful tender to come in at well-over £600,000.

"By way of guidance, the Contracting Authority expects to receive prices well in excess of £600,000 (excluding VAT), which is the minimum acceptable purchase price for the site.

"No payments of any kind (including for the required demolition works on the site or for any other costs associated with the development of the site) will be made by the Contracting Authority to the appointed developer,” the tender documents advise.

Full details of the tender including a development brief and site proposal is currently available at Derry City & Strabane - Tenders (derrystrabane.com)