People across Bath and North East Somerset are being given a unique opportunity to experience how Keynsham Leisure Centre will look once its £10m refurbishment is completed.
Bath & North East Somerset Council, together with the Leisure Centre’s operators GLL, are giving local people the chance to take a virtual tour of the new facilities via VR headsets and video displays at a special event this afternoon.
Staff will be on hand at the Keynsham Community Space, from 2pm – 7pm, to talk through the plans and answer people’s questions about the refurbishment.
Cllr Bob Goodman (Conservative, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Development & Neighbourhoods, said: “This is a great way for people to see for themselves how the refurbishment with transform Keynsham Leisure Centre into a fantastic facility that is fit for the future. The centre is an ageing building that’s in need of modernisation and investment and our proposed developments – which are based on feedback from the public through recent consultations – are intended to attract new users and improve the experience for existing customers too. The refurbished swimming facilities, health and fitness facilities and soft play particularly suit the types of activities those who are less traditionally engaged in physical activity.”
The Council and GLL are also pleased to announce that Keir have been appointed as the contractor for the major refurbishment of Leisure Centre that will help create an active community, particularly focusing on young people, families and those who are traditionally less engaged in physical activity.
Facilities will include:
- A new teaching pool and refurbished main pool
- New and improved changing areas
- New studio spaces – including squash courts and sports hall
- New soft play area and cafe area
- An enhanced fitness suite
Justine Foster, GLL Partnership Manager for Bath and North East Somerset: “We understand the importance of building the right facilities in the right places and from experience we have seen the positive impact this can have on people participating in sport and physical activity. Activities will be affordable and include concessionary pricing and memberships (e.g. for those on benefits, students, people with disabilities and over 60’s) so that price does not become a barrier to participation. The design of the new areas will be fully accessible and DDA compliant.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council is working closely with Sport England on the redevelopment of Keynsham Leisure Centre to ensure the project meets with its national aims of providing accessible leisure facilities that encourage people to live active lives.
The Council is investing £10.6 million in the project – including match funding contributions from GLL (£650,000) and Sport England (£500,000 via its Strategic Facilities Fund).
Construction work is anticipated to begin in May 2018, with an expected completion in autumn 2019. The leisure centre will remain open throughout, with limited disruption, and further engagement is planned as we move through the construction process. Regular updates on progress and the re-launch of the centre will continue to be communicated via GLL’s and the Council’s websites, local media, and information points within Keynsham Leisure Centre.
