Building begins on Kirkby’s new leisure centre
Leader of the Council Cllr Jason Zadrozny has proudly welcomed the start of build works at Kirkby’s new £15.5m leisure centre.
Work is underway on site following the signing of a build contract with Kier.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council said: “Today is a hugely momentous day for the future of Kirkby. The long-awaited state-of-the-art leisure centre will see huge benefits for all corners of our society, especially with its outstanding facility mix.
“As well as the economic and social benefits, the new destination will develop a high-quality and vibrant hub for our community. The plans will create a variety of opportunities for more inclusive programmes for all kinds of groups to be a part of. The people of Kirkby have been promised swimming pools for generations – I’m incredibly proud to see work finally begin!”
The Council is working with partners at Sport England to bring a huge range of new leisure activities to the site including swimming pools, fitness suite, adventure play and climbing wall.
The full facility mix will include:
- Water Space (25m pool with flexible floor and separate leisure water area)
- Sports Hall (inc. Cinema)
- 85 station Health and Fitness Gym with free weights area
- Two multi activity studios
- Group Cycling studio
- Wellbeing studio and sensory room
- Indoor adventure climbing wall and soft play
- Sauna & Steam Room
- Café
Ashfield District Council has working closely with its procurement partners at Nottingham City Council to seek contractors on the project.
Following two successful consultation periods, the Council gained planning permission for the build in June 2020. The Council has worked with local residents who live adjacent to the new site as part of the planning process.
Hoarding provided by a local contractor has now been erected on Lindleys Lane. The hoarding has been decorated with the plans and visuals for the build, as well as viewing windows so residents can keep an eye on progress.
Theresa Hodgkinson, Director of Place and Communities at Ashfield District Council said: “A huge amount of hard work has gone in to get the project to this point. I want to say a massive thank you to the whole project team as well as Members and partners for getting us this far.
“This news comes just weeks after the renewal of our leisure operating contract with Everyone Active which will bring even more leisure improvements across the District. Multi-million pound plans for Hucknall Leisure Centre include and additional swimming pool, improved changing facilities and a new mezzanine floor to extend the fitness suite.
“We aim to secure a districtwide network of quality, affordable, accessible and sustainable Leisure Centres and services for the benefit of all residents of Ashfield.”
