More detail about multi-million pound investment into the Borough's leisure centres revealed
Councillors recently agreed additional funding investment and reviewed improvement plans for each of the centres which will see a raft of decarbonisation measures - making the buildings more energy efficient - and will give them a raft of long-needed upgrades.
This comes just weeks after the Council moved away from the initial plan to build a new leisure centre in the borough instead, investing heavily into the existing buildings ensuring all the community would have high-standard and affordable access to a leisure centre nearby and safeguarding sites for the future.
The total investment is set to be circa £13 million with around £8 million to be invested by the council alongside a significant amount of funding received to decarbonise the buildings.
Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said, "Residents of South Ribble deserve to have high standard and affordable access to leisure facilities right on their doorstep and we are delivering just that.
"This investment will update and modernise the existing facilities, significantly extending their lifespan and will be delivered at a much lower price than a new build option.
"We're committed to ensuring that South Ribble can be a place where people can thrive, have access to facilities and activities which will keep them healthy and happy, and I'm so pleased to see these plans coming together.
"Not only will we have state of the art facilities which will rival private owned gyms in the borough, our buildings will be energy efficient and help push South Ribble towards the goal of being Carbon Neutral by 2030."
Leyland, Bamber Bridge and Penwortham leisure centres along with the South Ribble Tennis Centre are set to receive investment and the Council is now in the process of appointing the professional team that will be responsible for bringing forward the design elements and securing contractors. Further information on the works will be shared as the project progresses.
All pool side areas* will be revamped and redecorated while all the wet side changing room areas will be completely refurbished. Reception areas will be completely remodelled allowing for a welcoming entrance for members while dry side areas will boast new flooring, decor, toilet and shower facilities and lighting.
Bamber Bridge and Leyland leisure centres will see new external cladding and windows, completely transforming the look and feel of the dated buildings, making them carbon efficient, and the Tennis Centre will see new windows and refurbishment of the tennis courts and the courtyard area.
Councillor Foster continued, "We know that these proposals will be music to our member's ears, and we have been taking their feedback on board throughout this process and will continue to do so. We want to deliver facilities that we know our members want and need and I'm looking forward to getting started and to continue to hear from our customers about the improvements they think we should be making.
"This is such an exciting time for South Ribble Leisure, and I cannot wait to get started. The works will no doubt cause some disruption as they take place, but we'll be sure to keep everyone updated through the changes. If you want to keep up to date with the works or want to join the leisure centres as a member, visit www.southribbleleisure.com."
ENDS
* South Ribble Tennis Centre does not have a pool
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