Stratford Leisure & Visitor Centre Refurbishment Update

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has agreed plans to refurbishment and upgrade the building and facilities of Stratford Leisure & Visitor Centre.

Cllr Lynda Organ Finance and Physical Resources Portfolio says: “I am pleased to be able to give an update regarding the Stratford Leisure & Visitor Centre refurbishment. The District Council has now appointed its preferred contractor (Speller Metcalfe) and work to the facility is scheduled to start in the New Year. The leisure centre will continue to be fully operational until early January 2015, although some site preparation work will take place in December this year."

Cllr Mike Brain, Technical Services Portfolio says: “The good news is that despite the delay in the building works, a temporary swimming pool has been secured by our contractors SLM  - Everyone Active and will be available from 1^st October in tandem with the existing facilities and during the closure of the two pools for renovation."

The normal pool programme, including swimming lessons, public swim and parties will continue until December 2014.

The temporary pool is provided as part of the British Gas 'Pools for Schools Programme' and will provide additional pool time for residents and local schools and will be 18m long, 6m wide and 1.1m deep.  It will be situated just outside the rear of the sports hall. The pool area and water will be heated to the same temperature that swimmers are used to, to ensure a pleasurable swimming experience.

The refurbishment project will take place in two phases:

• Phase 1
  January to May 2015, which includes the following areas: swimming pool, wet-side changing rooms and new rear entrance /café. The temporary pool will be in place during Phase 1 only as the main pool and teaching pool will then re-open.
  
  
• Phase 2
  May 2015 to August 2015, this includes the following areas: sports hall, new front entrance, reception area, dance studio and climbing wall.

It is anticipated that the refurbishment will be completed by August 2015, during that time the gym, dance studios and all weather pitches will remain open.

Stratford Leisure & Visitor Centre celebrated its 40th birthday in April this year.

For more information please visit www.stratford.gov.uk or www.everyoneactive.com

The existing facilities at the centre are now 40 years old having served the local community since 1974, well beyond its expected design life of 30 years, and are in need of modernising.

The new design and layout has been developed in consultation with the leisure centre operator, Everyone Active, customers and District residents.