Avoniel Leisure Center

Smiled at Scott C’s collection of murals, which I suspect make some tourists smile (indeed…if some stray as far as this part of East Belfast). I usually go to swim, but the last time I did so, found myself being ‘cut-​off’ half way through my ‘mile’, having to swim from ‘side to side’, with the other half being used for old-​timers performing exercises of some sort… wish I had been told that was going to happen when I started!

Squash courts were too small and narrow compare to Robinsons and on our first day our ball got stuck in the ventilation grill which is quite common when you can see balls lining across the ceiling bars. In fact we counted the balls and it came to 12, could’ve been more cos it was probably tucked inside these broad bars on the ceiling. One particular incident I find myself vulnerable was kids living in the local area running amok during the school holidays. They had no intension of using the centre and staff were chasing them to leave but they still sneak back in through the back doors which they leave open during hot days, that’s when I had a problem with these little turds, they nicked my shuttlecock and ran away with it!!! I was livid and vowed never to return.

My review is based mainly on my use of the centre which is for squash. This place is desperately in need of a make over. From the tired reception area through to the dilapidated courts themselves the place screams neglect. My friends and I could just about let this slide until earlier this year when the council decided to raise its charges. It now costs 30% more here to play squash than most other council centres and yet it presents a much lower standard or facility. They really need to cut the price and raise the standards.

this place is ok but it could do with getting renovated which would help a lot

I had a couple of visits to this leisure centre when I was spending some time in the area and needed a gym nearby to go to. It was between Fitness First at Connswater and Avoniel Leisure centre that I had to choose between.
I (stupidly) chose Fitness First (huge mistake) but I enjoyed the facilities at Avoniel.
As mentioned by others, it’s slightly shabby and in need of a touch of refurb, but it has all the facilities you could need. A well equipped gym with everything you could need and enough equipment for everyone, good sized swimming pool, sauna, steam room, sports hall, and outdoor all weather pitches.
I found the staff to be friendly and helpful and the prices reasonable. They also gave me a really good induction and were always on hand to help. The only complaint I would have, is that 21:30pm is a tad early for the gym to be closing.

As the Avoniel Leisure Centre has the nearest swimming pool to where I live I am quite a frequent visitor.
In an ideal world the pool would longer and deeper. However, it’s perfectly good for my requirements. Obviously many others think the same, because the Centre is always fairly busy with people using the pool and the sports halls, football pitches and fitness suites.
I have also tried the sauna and steam room, which is relaxing though it’s better to have a friend with you for that. The jacuzzi has never been working when I have visited however.
Should you need to hang about and wait, there is a modest café upstairs above the swimming pool. Altogether, Avoniel is a good, functional, convenient and straightforward leisure centre.

I call this place the «Scary Mural Leisure Centre». The first thing that you see when you turn down the street is a UFF mural with baklava face covered paramilitaries and their machine guns. So if you see that mural, you know you’re in the right place.
That being said, the Leisure center has a heated indoor swimming pool that is open late at night. And it’s a convenient bike ride not too far away from me, so that’s really everything I wanted.
They’ve also got rec rooms, basketball courts and a fitness suite. There’s a huge football pitch sponsored by the Rangers that gives lessons to the young ‘uns.
I like the pool, but it seems a bit off to me. The shallow ends are really shallow and it’s only deep in the middle. They keep a lane open for lap swimming, but they should really have another one open for the lap swimmers.

Avoniel is a slightly elderly leisure centre in East Belfast but it’s still hugely popular for a full range of activities. You can use the fitness suite which is quite up to date, there’s a sauna and Jacuzzi and a couple of big indoor sports halls. The floodlit outdoor football pitch is always in use, even in the rain and snow. What’s that all about?
Avoniel has a pool which hasn’t changed in 20 years but the children will enjoy it — the staff are good about throwing in balls and floats for them to play with and the life guards run a tight ship when anyone gets too boisterous. There are no slides or water chutes but it’s fine and they always rope off at least one lane for people who want to swim lengths.
You can hire one of the indoor sports halls for kids parties and they’ll provide a bouncy castle which is always popular with kids. You can bring your own food in too which is ideal for anyone on a tight budget.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays there is a ladies activity morning. I’m surprised they’re still allowed to call it that in today’s PC obsessed world. You can do an exercise class, use the pool and the kids crèche, all at a reduced price.
The pool opens at 7.15 on weekday mornings which is ideal for anyone who wants to fit in their daily exercise before work. What strange creatures they must be.

Pretty standard, not a great appearance — Tiny gym, the pool is basic and could do with better lighting. The hockey/​football pitches are good with both astroturf and flood lighting and they have large indoor halls. There isn’t much ventilation though so if you are playing netball or football inside it will get very hot. They have really high ceilings which is great if you want to play badminton although the lights can occassionally blind you.