Thank you for your interest in this story

To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week

    Already a subscriber? Log in here.

    17

    Mar 2022

    Last Updated: 16/03/2022
    Health
    Health

    Harrogate Hydro set to close for nine months

    by Thomas Barrett

    | 17 Mar, 2022
    Comment

    0

    The Hydro will close on April 8 for refurbishment, which will include a new fitness suite, diving board equipment, cafe and reception area and improved changing areas.

    hydro-swimming-pool-3
    The Hydro's 'drum' entrance would be demolished and replaced.

    The Hydro in Harrogate will close for nine months on April 8 to undergo an £11.8m refurbishment.

    The leisure centre and pool is to get a two-storey extension as well as a new entrance, cafe and reception area.

    There will also be new diving board equipment, a new fitness suite and the changing areas will be upgraded.

    Members will be offered reduced rates to use other council-run leisure facilities in the district, as well as the opportunity to participate in group exercise sessions at the nearby Jennyfield Styan Community Centre.

    The current £38.95 monthly charge will go down to £32.



    Mark Tweedie, managing director of Brimhams Active, which Harrogate Borough Council set up last year to run its leisure facilities, said the plan was to reopen the pool first in nine months time.

    The other facilities, including the new fitness suite, are expected to be ready three months later.

    Extend opening hours


    Mr Tweedie said the refurbishment would give Brimhams Active the opportunity to redeploy staff at its other sites, which could enable some to extend their opening hours.

    However, it will leave Harrogate without a council-run swimming pool for the rest of the year.

    Brimhams also operates the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in Ripon, Knaresborough Pool, Starbeck Baths and Nidderdale Pool and Leisure Centre in Pateley Bridge.

    It also operates the Turkish Baths in Harrogate, Fairfax Wellbeing and Community Hub in Harrogate, Jennyfield Styan Community Centre and Little Explorers Day Nursery at Harrogate Hydro.

    Look for a full interview with Mark Tweedie about leisure services in the Harrogate district on the Stray Ferret this weekend.