‘Concerns' raised over future of Tollymore Outdoor Centre as facility closes doors for ‘strategic review'
The review of the centre will 'explore all options for the future operating model of the centre'.
Early work is already underway, involving engagement and consultation with key outdoor organisations and other stakeholders.
This is expected to take up to a year to complete and staff redundancies will also take place as a result.
The state-of-the-art facility is the only one of its kind on the island of Ireland and first opened in 2010.
Sport NI confirmed that the centre has been closed for over six months since its forest trails, trees and outdoor facilities were seriously damaged by Storm Eowyn in January.
In a statement they said 'significant expenditure' would be required to 'safely re-open the facility.'
'However, it has become increasingly unsustainable financially in recent years,' a spokesperson continued.
'TNOC will remain closed while the Strategic Review is completed.
'The Review will explore all options for the future operating model of the Centre.
'In the meantime, the move will result in a small number of local redundancies.'
Interim Chief Executive of Sport NI, Richard Archibald said that in recent years, the running costs of the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre have 'steadily increased' and its income has reduced.
'In the last financial year, it cost over £1.3million to run, versus an income of around £250,000,' he said, adding that the current operating model is 'no longer financially sustainable.'
'While the Centre was never intended to be profit-making, we have a duty to ensure value for money for the public purse and for the whole sports sector,' he said.
'The enforced pause in bookings resulting from the extensive storm damage provided a window for a detailed Strategic Review of the Centre.
'The initial part of this Review – a health and safety audit – has concluded that the Centre could not reopen without major investment. We cannot justify such investment when the facility is significantly under-utilised.'
He explained that the extended closure of up to a year to conduct the review means that redundancy consultations have already commenced with some of the centre's permanent staff.
'Sport NI remains fully committed to the outdoors sector,' he continued.
'The Tollymore Centre has facilities which are unique on the island of Ireland, and it is an important part of Northern Ireland's outdoor activity offering.'
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said he is 'seriously concerned' about the future of the centre.
The SDLP politician said: 'The news that redundancy consultation is beginning with some staff does not inspire confidence that Sport NI intend to reopen the centre and my thoughts are with those affected.
'I understand the damage caused by recent storms has complicated matters and necessitated a temporary closure and I've been pushing Sport NI for clarity on reopening for some time.
'While I acknowledge the significant running costs involved, Sport NI themselves have accepted that the centre was never designed to be profit-making, but rather a vital public resource used by a wide range of groups.
'Tollymore is the only facility of its kind on this island.
'Its closure would be a major loss to the Newcastle area, not just for the local economy, but for the many individuals and organisations who rely on it.'
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