Additional health and safety measures were implemented in 2020 and Ustigate were delighted to complete their aquatic play works in 2020. It was a pleasure working with the teams involved and Ustigate and Vortex are proud to have contributed to the state of the art facilities at South Lake Leisure Centre.

Designed by renowned architect practices McAdam Design and Space & Place, the world class facilities at the £35m South Lake Leisure Centre include three pools, the largest gym in Northern Ireland, a multi-use 8-court sports hall, a spin room, dance studio, café, soft play area, two squash courts, an outdoor adventure centre that offers archery, climbing, paddle-sports, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, and banana boats.

Our installation provides an exciting multi-level indoor aquatic adventure for all ages and abilities to enjoy. Bursting with play value, there are 16 products at ground level and an eight-metre-high Elevations™ that runs for 32 metres with nine sturdy staircases, 11 platforms, 62 water features and two loop-the-loop waterslides.

One end of the Elevations™ is an aquatic play paradise for Craigavon’s youngest water players, featuring staircases of no more than 2 – 3 steps at a time and platforms of varying heights, providing views at 1 metre, 1.8 metres and 2.4 metres. It is a journey that meanders up and around to platform four where little ones are rewarded with the offer of a ride. The entire journey from ground to slide is 0 – 2.4 metres and completely safe as each stairway and platform is encased with panels. The waterslide at 2.4 metres is a bright red closed flume with three bends and a run-out that provides a safe landing point. An intermediate waterslide at South Lake Leisure Centre promotes water confidence in early childhood development as well as maximising fun.

The second waterslide on the Elevations™ is one that budding aquatic enthusiasts aspire to; a high entry fuchsia flume that thrills Craigavon’s most confident with its double loop the loop and longer ride. All ascending and descending routes on the Elevations™ are incredibly exciting with sixty-two water features on board, each creating its own individual water movement. The Elevations™ are bright, cheerful, and inviting, because of the activities and experiences on offer and because the vibrant colours red, blue, green, orange and fuchsia invite everyone on board for a splashing spree. There are products that resemble flowers and leaves, and plentiful water hoses for families and friends to engage in group play. For those that prefer their aquatic play at inclusive and accessible ground level, there are sixteen Splashpad® products in the mix; ensuring there is something fun for everyone at the South Lake Leisure Centre in Craigavon.

2021 Awards:

Link to Farrans Construction STEM Award

On 20^th May 2021 Farrans Construction were awarded a STEM Inspiration Award for their Outstanding Contribution to Widening Participation, Diversity and Inclusion in STEM for its educational work carried out while on site at the South Lake Leisure Centre.

Link to South Lake Leisure Centre GO Award

On 27^th May 2021 the Government Opportunities (GO) Excellence in Public Procurement Northern Ireland awarded the Social Value Award to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council and Farrans Construction for their contribution to the local area. The South Lake Leisure Centre project brought together over 10,000 individuals to take part in progressive education and employment programmes during its construction. With a shared vision to leave a lasting legacy, the collaborative initiative focused on creating a thriving economy underpinned by the skill set of the local people; empowering and strengthening communities; and tackling social inequalities. “What a fantastic achievement!” commented Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr. “This award win is a testament to everyone’s hard work, dedication and determination to continually go beyond normal standards in order to make a real difference to the lives of people in the local area. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this impressive project – very well done!”

Link to 2021 UK Pool & Spa Award Winners

In December 2021 Ustigate Waterplay were delighted to receive a UK Pool & Spa Water Leisure Venue of the Year award for the Fun Pool at South Lake Leisure Centre.

Should you be near Craigavon, Ireland, we invite all to participate in the great indoor and outdoor activities at the South Lake Leisure Centre. Full details and programme can be found here: https://getactiveabc.com/activities/swimming/