FIRST CUT MARKS THE START TO STRATFORD LEISURE CENTRE PROJECT
The project team, which includes members of Stratford-on-Avon District Council and building contractor Speller Metcalfe, gathered in front of the leisure centre to make the first cut – representing the first milestone in the project.
Cllr Lynda Organ, Finance and Physical Resources Portfolio at Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: “It is tremendous that work has now commenced to create a refurbished Leisure Centre within the town. It is one of the most important developments in Stratford upon Avon for many years and will greatly improve local sports and leisure facilities.”
Following numerous consultations, the decision was taken to upgrade the Centre to help provide for the growing needs of Stratford residents while delivering state-of-the-art facilities for the general public.
Enabling works started just before Christmas to help prepare the site for main construction, such as draining swimming pools and reorganising key areas of the Centre. During this time Everyone Active (SLM) that operates the centre refurbished Members Changing Rooms and installed new Fitness Kit.
“As the centre operator for over 25 years we are really pleased to see work commencing. Myself and my colleagues are looking forward to the opportunities the refurbishment will bring and will no doubt help increase access to activity in our community,” said Gareth Wagg, General Manager at Everyone Active.
Local building contractor, Speller Metcalfe, explained how works will go ahead: “The scheme has been split into three phases to minimise any disruption to building users, and many parts of the Centre will continue to operate as normal throughout the duration of the work,” said Des O’Neill, Director of Construction Division at Speller Metcalfe.
“As a local contractor, Speller Metcalfe is excited to be delivering a scheme that will truly make a real difference to both regular members of Stratford Leisure Centre and visitors to the area.”
Phase one, starting in January, incorporates refurbishments to the ground floor alongside a new, rear extension. Together these will provide a new entrance, café and village area with group changing facilities on the ground floor. On the first floor a new spin and dance studio will enable greater flexibility with classes, alongside a crèche refurbishment and a new meeting room.
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.
The third and final phase, which completes in September, will deliver building users with a new entrance, reception and communal area, as well as a group exercise studio, climbing wall and refurbished sports hall.