Artist’s impressions have revealed what Coalville’s new leisure centre will look like.
The sports complex is set to be built on the northern edge of the town opposite Stephenson College as a replacement for the ageing Hermitage Leisure Centre in Whitwick.
North West Leicestershire District Council says the Hermitage is no longer up to scratch and intends to spend £22 million on it’s replacement.
The location chosen for the new development has proved controversial.
The council owns the site, formerly a municipal rubbish tip and golf course, but concerns have been raised that developing it will eat into green wedge land.
As part of the overall scheme the council wants to turn the area into a parkland leisure destination, including a trim trail with activity stations, pedestrian and cycle access from Hermitage Recreation Ground and Stephenson College, and a high ropes course within the woodland.
What will the new leisure centre include?
- Eight lane 25 metre main pool, learner pool with moveable floor
- 120 station gym, 25 spin cycles and three dance studios
- Café
- Eight court sports hall and three squash courts
- 250 car spaces
- Clip ‘n’ Climb and soft play
Sauna, steam and spa pool.
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The council wants the new centre to open in 2021 but has yet to apply for planning permission.
There had been calls for a new leisure centre to be built in the middle of the town but the chosen position of the A511 was deemed more accessible.
Council leader Richard Blunt said: “Rather than just creating a leisure centre we are trying to put Coalville in the map.
“Bringing a state of the art facility closer to Coalville town centre with good access from the main roads makes sense.
“We’ve looked at a number of potential sites in and around Coalville and have evidence to show that this site – off the A511 near the roundabout with Thornborough Road – is the best possible option.”
The new leisure centre would be run by a private firm as part of a deal which will see Ashby’s Hood Park leisure facility outsourced.
The council proposes to borrow money to build the new complex against an annual saving of £200,000 anticipated from privatisation.
It also intends to raise £4 million from land sales including the Hermitage site which will remain open until the new complex is ready for use.
