IRVINE'S new leisure centre will officially open in January, council bosses have revealed.

North Ayrshire Council insist that the controversial, £20million Portal Leisure Centre will be officially open to the public on Friday, January 27, 2017.

Additionally, the Magnum Leisure Centre will close on Friday, December 30 - but will remain open to members of KA Leisure and the Learn to Swim programme until Thursday, January 26.

The council say the prospect of keeping the Magnum open until the day the Portal was declared open was "not achievable".

Members of the council's Cabinet will meet next Tuesday to learn about the final phase of the plan.

Football and some indoor sports will be transferred to Greenwood Campus and Almswall Park during this period where possible (December 30 to January 26).

Vouchers for free swimming sessions will be given out to casual swimmers at the Magnum pool between Thursday, December 1 and Friday, December 30, valid from Tuesday, January 3, until Thursday, January 26 (terms and conditions apply).

Irvine Times:

KA Leisure staff will undergo "extensive" training at The Portal to help them familiarise themselves with the brand new leisure and cultural centre which will include:

  • A 25m x 6 lane swimming pool and a teaching/warm up pool with changing facilities and spectator seating
  • A six court multi-use sports hall for all indoor sports
  • Community facilities
  • Fitness suite and multi-use studios
  • Café
  • The newly-refurbished Townhouse
  • Cultural and tourist information including local places of interest, heritage trails, festivals and event.

Councillor Louise McPhater, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “These are really exciting times for Irvine and we hope that these arrangements will allow for a smooth transition for staff, KA Leisure members and, of course, the general public.

“The perfect scenario would have been to close the Magnum to the public one day and open the Portal the next day, but this was simply not achievable due to the scale of both operations – including the need for staff training and testing of new systems etc.

“What this approach will do is give us time for training and familiarisation to ensure this amazing new facility is ready for its opening on 27 January and flourishes from day one.

“We are sure it will prove hugely popular. It is a stunning facility that we are all incredibly proud of. We can’t wait to share it with everyone.”