Kirkby Leisure Centre ‘will be something to behold’
Kirkby in Ashfield’s new leisure centre is growing into a key landmark on the horizon of the town.
Speaking recently from the roof of the £15.5million construction, Ashfield District Council Leader Cllr Jason Zadrozny was staggered by the progress so far.
He said: “This centre really will be something to behold. We have left no stone unturned in our planning and execution of this project and that will show when it opens next year.
“Working with our partners at Everyone Active and Kier Group, this will become the community hub that Kirkby deserves. The facility mix we’ve pulled together will provide something for everyone. Whether it’s swimming, climbing, hitting the gym, or even just stopping in for a cup of coffee, the centre will attract faces new and old from all kinds of backgrounds.”
Located between Lindleys Lane and the current Festival Hall Leisure Centre, Kier started work on the site in December 2020. Following extensive groundworks, the first steel girder was installed six months later. The steelwork was ceremoniously signed by special guests including local Paralympic champion Ollie Hynd MBE.
Hynd has been an advocate for the project since plans were first put forward and is especially excited about the swimming facilities coming to his hometown.
He said: “With quality pools available in Hucknall and Sutton, it’s brilliant that we’re now going to have excellent swimming facilities available for everyone in my hometown of Kirkby. Even if it’s not swimming the plans provide an activity for everyone so this really will be a hub for all the community. I’m very proud of what I have achieved in my sport and I’m sure having a leisure centre like this will bring through the next generation of world champion athletes from Ashfield.”
Since then, the rest of the steelwork was completed in July and work began on the building’s flooring, stairways and roof. The slab for the surface of the four-court sports hall was laid in August and work has now started on digging out the swimming pools.
The Council is working closely with Everyone Active to transform Ashfield’s leisure offer across the District. Hucknall Leisure Centre and Sutton in Ashfield’s Lammas Leisure Centre have each received brand-new high-quality fitness suites, rivalling any other facility in the region. Hucknall is also set to see a new swimming pool added to the site as part of an overall £22.5million investment across Ashfield.
Lorenzo Clark, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “This state-of-the-art facility is already looking fantastic and I’m sure excitement will increase as further progress is made.
“We cannot wait to open the doors, welcome the public and show them that this centre is one for the community to be proud of.
“With the opening of the Kirkby site inching closer and a raft of upgrades taking place at Everyone Active sites across Ashfield, this is a really exciting time for leisure in the District.”
Ashfield District Council is proud to have consulted closely with residents throughout the Kirkby Leisure Centre project, especially with neighbours, members and partners
Cllr Rachel Madden, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, said: “It’s vital that we are in constant communication with the people of Kirkby and beyond throughout this project. This leisure centre is a once in a generation opportunity and we need to make sure we get it right for our community.”
Residents are invited to come and have a look at the latest interior images and talk to the Council at an upcoming event this month. On Wednesday 22nd September, project officers will be at Festival Hall between 12noon-1pm, and again from 5-6pm. Presentation boards will remain at Festival Hall after the event for those who aren’t able to make it to the event.
Cllr Madden continued: “This project is something that the people of Ashfield have been long-promised and the Council is proud to finally be delivering it for residents.
