Town’s new leisure centre to open ahead of schedule
NEW YEAR LAUNCH IS THE AIM AS CONTRACTORS MAKE RAPID PROGRESS
THE multi-million pound investment at the heart of Coalville’s regeneration scheme is to open far earlier than expected.
Bosses at North West Leicestershire District Council have confirmed that Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre will open early in the new year.
The £22.5 million centre will boast an eight-lane swimming pool, eightcourt sports hall, sauna, steam, spa pool and cafe.
When building work began 18 months ago, the opening date was July 2022, but contractors Metnor made quicker than expected progress and only the finishing touches are required.
The final stages will focus on landscaping and paths around the centre, while work to install outdoor play and leisure equipment is also to be completed.
District councillors believe the site could be ready to open as soon as late January, with an official opening planned for the following month.
Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of the council, said: “We have been very impressed with Metnor and their skills in managing supplies and the workforce despite the challenges of Brexit and the pandemic as we’ve seen the leisure centre take shape.
“It’s a beautiful building with fantastic facilities and it’s excellent news that the work is so far ahead of schedule.”
The new leisure centre, off Steschedule, phenson Way, Coalville, will replace the Hermitage Leisure Centre, in Whitwick. The future of that site and its surrounding recreation ground is now in the hands of the council.
The council has confirmed it is looking into a number of proposals for the area, vowing to focus them on leisure and recreation.
Details of those proposals are expected to be revealed in the first half of next year.
The new site, which will alsohave a 250-space car park and trim/trail opportunities which link the area to its parkland setting, will become a great asset to Coalville, operators Everyone Active believet.
“We cannot wait to open Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre and to show the public the fantastic facility on their doorstep,” said Duncan Gibb, contract manager at Everyone Active.
“This centre is something the community can be truly proud of and with preparations well ahead of it’s great to know they will not have to wait long to see it.”
Cllr Blunt said: “The centre is set up to make a really valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of our communities.
“We now need to make sure everything is absolutely perfect before we open the doors to the public.”