Ards and North Down Borough Council Launches First Borough‑Wide Leisure Strategy: Getting Active, Staying Active 2025-2034

Ards and North Down Borough Council has officially launched Getting Active, Staying Active — the Borough's first comprehensive Leisure Strategy.

The ten‑year strategy sets out a clear and ambitious plan to help everyone in Ards and North Down enjoy healthier, more active lives. It has been shaped by extensive collaboration with partners across sport, health, education and the community and voluntary sector, and informed by the views of approximately 1,600 residents.

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Mayor, Cllr Gillian McCollum at the launch of the Launch of Getting Active, Staying Active - Leisure Strategy 2025-2034

Leisure Strategy launch - Mayor

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Speaking at the launch at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollumsaid:

"This is a strategy for the whole Borough. It reflects the strong collaboration that already exists across our communities and sets out a long‑term plan for how we will strengthen, expand and better connect opportunities for people to be active. Being active is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing. This strategy demonstrates our commitment to supporting healthier, active lives for everyone in Ards and North Down."

A Strategy Built Around Four Key Themes

The strategy is structured around four interconnected themes that will guide delivery from now until 2034:

• Active Partnerships- strengthening collaboration across sectors and communities
• Active Opportunities- expanding the range, quality and accessibility of active leisure options
• Active Communications- improving awareness and understanding of what's available
• Active Support -empowering clubs, volunteers and providers to deliver high‑quality experiences

Together, these themes establish a foundation for reducing inequality, tackling inactivity, and supporting people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to lead more active lives.

A Collaborative Approach Powered by Local Expertise

Ards and North Down already benefits from a vibrant network of around 150 community sports clubs, more than 4,000 volunteers, along with local charities, schools and leisure providers who collectively deliver thousands of opportunities for people to be active every year. These clubs and volunteers are central to the Borough's sporting culture, and the strategy aims to grow, strengthen and support this vital community infrastructure.

To maintain momentum, a new Strategic Implementation Group made up of key partners across Council, health, education, sport and community organisations has been established to oversee and contribute to the successful delivery of the strategy.

Supporting Communities to Live Well

A key focus is supporting residents who face the greatest barriers to being active, including cost, accessibility, lack of information, confidence and location. This is particularly relevant to women, older adults, residents living with a disability and those in areas of deprivation.

By addressing these barriers, the strategy aims to help more people take their first steps into active living and maintain healthy habits over the long term.

A Long‑Term Vision for a More Active Borough

By expanding access, strengthening partnership working, improving communication and prioritising community‑led solutions, Getting Active, Staying Active outlines a practical and achievable pathway towards a Borough where active living is a supported and sustainable part of everyday life.

The strategy aligns closely with the Council's Corporate Plan, the Borough's Community Plan (The Big Plan), and wider regional priorities around health, inclusion, resilience and wellbeing.

The full strategy, Getting Active, Staying Active Leisure Strategy 2025-2034, is available on the Council's website: Getting Active, Staying Active Leisure Strategy 2025-2034 - Ards and North Down Borough Council