1/2/2007

Local News

Centres cash boost

A MAJOR modernisation scheme costing a total of £600,000 has been drawn up for two Hart Council leisure centres.

At Hart Leisure Centre in Hitches Lane the blueprint includes converting a fitness gym into two multi-use studios and turning the lounge bar and café into a fitness gym teenagers’ workout space.

The function room is set to become a multi-use activity suite, and the reception area is lined up to be a coffee shop.

Plans for Frogmore Leisure Centre in Potley Hill Road include converting two squash courts into a ground floor dance-aerobics studio and extending the fitness gym above. The lounge bar is set to be converted into a muti-use activity suite.

Both centres would benefit from sprung floors in the studios, state of the art multimedia systems in the fitness gyms and air conditioning in all the activity spaces.

In addition, repairs costing £10,000 are needed at Hart Leisure Centre, and £12,000 at Frogmore. Details of the proposed work is highlighted in a report by council leisure services chief Carl Westby.

Outlining the need for the expenditure, he says: “There has not been any significant investment in the two centres over the past nine years.

“Fitness and health facilities are very well used but outdated, and there is a surplus of squash courts. The use of dance and creche space has almost reached saturation point.”

Mr Westby says the improved facilities would have boost takings at the two centres. “It is estimated that an outlay of £600,000 will be recovered in approximately four years,” he adds.

His report will be considered at tonight’s (Thursday) meeting of the council’s cabinet.

First printed in: Surrey Hants Star