Community meeting set to discuss leisure centre future
A COMMUNITY event to discuss the future of the Hermitage recreation ground and leisure centre site in Whitwick will take place on Monday, November 4, at Hermitage Leisure Centre.
The ‘open invitation’ event, which takes place from 5pm to 9pm, will allow local people to give their ideas and feedback about how the site should be used once the leisure centre moves from its current site in 2021.
North West Leicestershire District Council is keen to encourage leisure and recreation on the site, with paths and cycleways connecting from the new Coalville Leisure Centre, which will be built just off Stephenson Way.
Aside from these initial thoughts, the council says the future use of the site is completely open at this stage.
Representatives from a range of recreation organisations – including Parkrun, Leicestershire Orienteering, the Lawn Tennis Association and Leicestershire and Rutland Sport – have been invited to showcase the activities they represent.
Existing users, including the North West Leicestershire Society of Model Engineers and the Hermitage Harriers have also been invited to host ‘topic tables’ at the event.
Free children’s activities will be available, as well as light refreshments.
Coun Andrew Woodman, portfolio holder for community services, said: “The current leisure centre will stay open until the new one is ready to receive customers in 2021.
“It’s important that we have a plan in place for the site once the leisure centre closes so we can see this important piece of land used in the best way possible.
“We would like to see leisure and recreation leading the way here and would like to explore every possibility, which is why we have a range of organisations ready to speak to people at the event about their particular interest area.
“Everyone is welcome at this event – you’ll be able to find out about the possibilities for the site and what options might be out there. You’ll also be able to give your feedback and ideas, which we’ll feed into the process when we’re planning what to do with the site. I hope lots of people come along to the event so we get a good amount of feedback.”