Harrogate Hydro looks set to reopen in May next year following an £11 million refurbishment.
Construction is earmarked to finish in April, but Harrogate Borough Council has set an opening for May — a month after when the authority will be abolished.
The council provided an update today on the Hydro as well as progress on the new leisure centre in Knaresborough.
Work on the Hydro, which is being led by Bristol-based Alliance Leisure, is ongoing to create a 400 square metre fitness suite, a sauna and steam suite, improved reception and café.
There will also be new diving board equipment, a new fitness suite and the changing areas will be upgraded.
Meanwhile, the existing gas boilers have been replaced with air source heat pumps and 250 solar panels, as well as new metering and energy monitoring and control systems.
Representatives from Axiom, Alliance Leisure and ISG with Councillor Stanley Lumley and Mark Tweedie.
However, the strip out at the facilities has revealed some remedial work is required, such as the fire protection of the steel frame, the addition of wall restraints, replacement of corroded steelwork, re-securing of soffit boarding and resolving air leakage and heat loss between the roof and the external walls.
Cllr Stan Lumley, cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport at the council, said:
“Refurbishment projects often discover things that need to be resolved to adhere to current building regulations.
“By carrying out the work now, the building can conform to the latest legislation and be as energy-efficient as possible, which will allow people across the Harrogate district to keep fit and active for many years to come.”
Knaresborough Leisure Centre
Work being carried out on Knaresborough leisure centre.
The new leisure centre in Knaresborough is due to open in August 2023.
Construction is continuing on the project which will see a six-lane 25metre pool, activity pool with flume, sauna and steam room, fitness suite and studio, spin studio, café, electric car charging points and bicycle storage created.
Read more:
- Harrogate Hydro renovations a long-term gain, says diving club
- Hot Seat: Leading the Harrogate district’s leisure revolution
Both facilities are due to be managed by the council-controlled Brimhams Active once complete, although its future is unclear due to the impending abolition of Harrogate Borough Council.
Mark Tweedie, managing director of Brimhams Active, said:
“This unprecedented level of investment from Harrogate Borough Council will allow Brimhams Active to further transform from a conventional leisure provider to a comprehensive health and wellbeing company and truly maximise its offer to residents across the Harrogate district.
“And by doing so we can ensure people of all ages, from all walks of life, will be able to live a healthy lifestyle and stay active for longer.”
