STRATFORD Leisure Centre’s £5million redevelopment has kicked off.
As part of a wider regeneration project, some of the council-owned building, which celebrated its 40th birthday in April last year, is being upgraded for the first time in more than three decades.
On Wednesday (January 21) representatives from the district council joined contractors Speller Metcalfe at the Bridgefoot centre to perform the ‘sod cutting’ ceremony – officially marking the start of the multi-million pound project.
The main pool – which is currently closed to the public – has already been drained and leisure centre users have been swimming in a temporary one provided as part of the British Gas ‘Pools for Schools Programme’.
The first stage of the revamp will see wet-side changing rooms, a rear entrance, and a café built.
The second phase will see refurbishments to the swimming pool areas including re-tiling the pool and re-lining pool tanks, and the addition of new sauna and steam rooms.
In the third and final phase – expected to be completed in September – the sports hall will be refurbished while a new entrance, reception and communal area, group exercise studio and £289,000 climbing wall will be built.
Council finance spokeswoman, Lynda Organ said: “It is tremendous work has now started to create a refurbished leisure centre within the town.
“It is one of the most important developments in Stratford for many years and will greatly improve local sports and leisure facilities in the area.”
Visit www.stratford.gov.uk or www.everyoneactive.com for further information.
