Work to start in autumn as £3.5m leisure centre refurb clears last hurdle
How the revamped Leiston Leisure Centre will look after the modernisation. Picture: SUFFOLK COASTAL DISTRICT COUNCIL - Credit: Archant
Final approval has been given to create a “fun and contemporary” leisure centre for Leiston and work on the £3.5million project should start in September.
Three new extensions will be added to the existing centre in Red House Lane plus a complete refurbishment of the building to provide state-of-the-art facilities.
These will include a large first-floor gym with modern equipment, including cardiovascular, strength, resistance and functional zones, while the changing area by the pool will be turned into a village style area with separate changing areas for groups, individual changing cubicles and showers.
A thermal suite with a sauna and steam room plus feature shower and relaxation area will be added to the facilities on offer.
The plans also include the retention of the centres squash courts.
On top of extra facilities, more classes will also be available at the new site – new dance studios and a group cycling studio are to form part of the centre.
Suffolk Coastal’s planning committee has now granted planning consent for the changes, the last hurdle in a complicated process to get the project up and running.
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The council hopes the major investment in the leisure centre will help encourage more people to become fit and active.
Work will begin in September and all the facilities on site will be closed until January while structural work is completed.
The pool is then due to reopen in January, with the rest of the facilities due to open next summer.
Suffolk Coastal council said: “This development will increase access to quality leisure facilities and activities in an area that has little health and fitness facilities available without considerable travel.”
TJ Haworth-Culf, cabinet member for customers, communities and leisure, said the aim was to create a “fun and contemporary centre that boosts vitality for everyone”.
She said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the closure of Leiston Leisure Centre, and assure members that other options will be made available to them nearer the time.”
The council says centre members will be contacted by Places for People Leisure to discuss the options available to them while the leisure is closed for redevelopment.
