Work on new £23 million Coalville leisure centre looks set to start in December

The first steps towards creating a new £23 million leisure centre in Coalville have been taken.

The centre, opposite Stephenson’s College on the A511, will replace the 38-year-old Hermitage Leisure Centre in Whitwick.

This week North West Leicestershire District Council announced that it had submitted a planning application for the new centre, which will be built and run by the Everyone Active but owned by the council.

The council has a new 25-year contract with Everyone Active, which is currently revamping Hood Park Leisure Centre in Ashby , where building work has just got underway.

Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “We’re pleased that the plans to improve leisure in the district are moving forward with such a pace.

“I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the renovation at Hood Park, which will create a modern, fit-for-purpose centre with some impressive new facilities.

“Having learnt to swim at the outdoor pool many years ago it is great to see the improvements coming forward for the next generation.”

The Coalville leisure centre planning application explains how the building will have LED lighting throughout, air source heat pumps, electric car charging points and photovoltaic panels on the roof that will help reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

Outside, the building will have wooden beams swooping down over the pool area and a large glass front for the reception area and café.

A natural play area and a cycle track will be featured in the grounds around the centre.

Inside the building , the plans show the gym with views across the parkland surrounding the centre, with the range of other facilities including three squash courts, clip and climb, spin studio, an eight court sports hall, an eight lane swimming pool and separate learner pool.

The council’s planning committee is expected to consider the application in October, with work likely to start on site before Christmas and be completed within two years.

The work at Hood Park, meanwhile, started on Friday, July 12, and is due to be completed before Christmas.

It includes creating a new 75-station upstairs gym and a group cycling studio, as well as refurbishing the reception, squash courts and changing rooms.

Dan Hicks, area contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “It’s been an exciting week for both leisure centres and we’re delighted to be a step closer to bringing state-of-the-art leisure facilities to the local community.”