A £4 million makeover for Thirsk’s leisure centre is set to get underway thanks to council cash.
Work on the 30-year-old Thirsk and Sowerby Leisure Centre begins in February with planned upgrades and extensions bringing it bang up to date.
Once complete the centre will boast a gym three times the size of the current facility – which for the first time will be operational 24/7, a new studio for exercise classes and meetings – as well as a cycling studio.
Outdated plant equipment that forced the centre’s pools to close several times last year will have been replaced with greener, more environmentally sustainable equipment and it will have a new roof to address much needed repairs and condensation issues experienced within the building.
The gym changing rooms will be updated and the reception seating area will also be refurbished with new signage and wall art set to be introduced around the building.
Hambleton District Council has appointed Alliance Leisure Services Ltd as its development partner for the scheme – the council worked with them on the extension at Northallerton Leisure Centre.
“This really is fantastic news for Thirsk and makes clear our commitment as a council to investing in our local communities by providing leisure centres which are up to date, accessible and most importantly offer a positive experience.” said council leader, Councillor Mark Robson.
“Investing such a significant amount into the leisure centre at Thirsk means we can make a huge difference to what’s on offer.
“Health and wellbeing has never been more important than it is now as we continue our battle against COVID and as leader I want to provide practical support to people when they need it most, and I hope this does just that.
“We’ve already made improvements to our Northallerton and Stokesley Leisure Centres and work at Bedale is in the pipeline.
“Although there will be unavoidable disruption for a few months to allow the work to take place, I can reassure users it will be well worth the wait and I’m sure everyone will look forward to using the new look gym, cycling and exercise studio.”
Work is due to start on February 1 and expected to be completed for a September opening.
Officials say it is necessary to close the centre and the car park for this period with members able to use Bedale, Northallerton and Stokesley centres during this time.
Alliance Leisure Business Development Manager, Sean Nolan, added: “Following our successful development at Northallerton Leisure Centre, we are really proud to be working in partnership with the Council again, now on the extension and redevelopment of Thirsk and Sowerby Leisure Centre.
“It is great to be working with such a forward thinking council that is committed to securing the future of public sector leisure facilities for years to come.
“Our team, mainly based in Yorkshire, are looking forward to commencing on site in a couple of weeks’ time.”
Be the first to comment