WORK on the £3million two-storey extension to Evesham Leisure Centre has begun as part of a transformation to improve the Abbey Road centre.
The transfortmation will see the fitness room area extended into what is currently the studio space which will then be moved to the first floor of the extension, alongside an improved therapy treatment suite.
On the ground floor of the extension a further dance studio and activity space will be created to facilitate cardiac rehabilitation and wellness groups, as well as meeting and consultation rooms, toilets and changing facilities and a small kitchen.
An additional 91 car parking spaces will also be created on site at the centre which first opened its doors in 2009.
Coun Gerry O’Donnell, portfolio holder for community development, culture and sport for Wychavon District Council, said: “Evesham Leisure Centre is a real success story. We invested more than £10million in this facility and it has grown in popularity year on year.
“It’s fantastic to see the people in the town and surrounding areas using the centre so much. By using it they’re improving their health, fitness and general wellbeing which is good for everyone. We’re pleased to make this extra investment to meet demand and plan for the future.”
Contractor Speller Metcalfe has been appointed to carry out the work which began earlier this month.
Construction manager Paul McCormick said: “The centre will remain operational throughout the building works and we will work closely with the leisure centre staff to ensure that disruption to users is kept to a minimum throughout the project.”
Leisure chiefs hope the extension will allow them to take on an extra 500 members a year when it opens fully in January.
