The Leeds City Council plans to transform Fearnville Leisure Centre into a state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing hub, with features such as swimming pools, a gym, tennis courts, and an adventure play area. The project aims to improve community health, promote physical activity, and address social and economic challenges in the area.
What are the plans for the new Fearnville Leisure Centre in Leeds?
The Leeds City Council intends to transform Fearnville Leisure Centre into a state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing hub. The vision includes a main swimming pool, learner pool, 120-station gym, all-weather pitch, tennis courts, skatepark, and an adventure play area. This project aims to foster community health and engage local residents in physical activity, improving social and economic challenges in the area.
A Vision for 21st Century Wellbeing
A new chapter may be on the horizon for Fearnville Leisure Centre, nestled in the Gipton area, as Leeds City Council unveils ambitious plans for its comprehensive overhaul. Recognizing the facility’s dated amenities, the council aspires to create a state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing hub that caters to modern expectations. The initiative is set to address social and economic challenges faced by local communities by fostering a culture of fitness and health.
The vision encompasses the construction of a new wellbeing centre, envisaged to sit proudly amidst the expansive King George V Playing Fields. The current Fearnville site, with its open green spaces, sets the stage for a transformation that promises to bring the community together through sport and leisure. Envisioned features range from expansive swimming pools to an adventure play area, all designed to galvanize residents into leading more active lifestyles.
This new wellbeing centre wouldn’t just be another sports facility; it is slated to become a beacon of community health. With indoor amenities such as a substantial main swimming pool, learner pool, and a gym boasting 120 stations, it’s clear that the centre aims to cater to a wide spectrum of fitness enthusiasts. It’s a project that goes beyond bricks and mortar; it’s about building a healthier, more connected community.
Revitalizing Outdoor Spaces
The renovation plans for Fearnville Leisure Centre are not limited to the indoors; the outdoors is set for a comprehensive refresh as well. The council is committed to enhancing the centre’s green surroundings, with an eye towards biodiversity and community engagement. Proposed improvements include an all-weather pitch, tennis courts, and a skatepark, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Outdoor activities are essential for whole-body health and well-being, and the new features are poised to promote this. The incorporation of a play zone, coupled with tree-planting and soft landscaping, is designed to create an oasis where nature and leisure harmoniously intertwine. It’s about providing spaces where families can gather, children can play, and all can enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors.
The reimagined centre aligns with the council’s vision to bolster the take-up of physical activity, particularly in the Gipton & Harehills and Killingbeck & Seacroft wards. These areas face health challenges such as low life expectancy and high obesity rates, underscoring the need for such a transformative project. Furthermore, the centre acts as a pivotal learn-to-swim hub for the region’s youth, providing essential skills to over 30 primary schools.
Funding and Future Prospects
The journey toward revitalizing the Fearnville site is already underway, with Leeds City Council having submitted a planning permission application for the new wellbeing scheme. If all goes to plan, with council approvals and funding falling into place, the community could see work commence as early as mid-2024. The scheme’s strategic funding model incorporates external grant support, the council’s capital program, and developer contributions, ensuring a financially viable project.
Councillor Salma Arif, vocal about the project’s importance, shares, “Improving the health and wellbeing of all our residents is one of the foundations of the council’s Best City Ambition.” With a passionate commitment to providing top-tier sports and leisure facilities, the council is determined to turn these plans into reality. The new centre is set to become a cornerstone for community health and wellness in east Leeds.
The council, despite facing setbacks with previous Levelling Up Fund bids, remains undeterred. Councillor Arif adds, “We want to create something that is a real source of pride for people across east Leeds.” The new Fearnville centre has the potential to be more than just a building; it’s poised to become a hub for community engagement and an enduring symbol of the council’s commitment to the health and vitality of its residents.
For more information about the ongoing developments and future updates on the Fearnville Leisure Centre project, please visit the Leeds City Council website.
ENDS
- The Leeds City Council plans to transform Fearnville Leisure Centre into a state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing hub.
- The project aims to improve community health, promote physical activity, and address social and economic challenges in the area.
- The vision includes a main swimming pool, learner pool, 120-station gym, all-weather pitch, tennis courts, skatepark, and an adventure play area.
- The renovation plans also include enhancing the centre’s green surroundings with tree-planting and soft landscaping.
- The funding for the project incorporates external grant support, the council’s capital program, and developer contributions.