Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
20
May 2021
Investigation into hole in the ground at Ripon Leisure Centre
Harrogate Borough Council is to investigate a hole in the ground that's appeared at Ripon Leisure Centre.
In a report due before senior councillors next week, the authority said it is required to investigate the "void in the ground" in order to retain its business insurance on the building.
The city has a history of sinkholes caused by the soluble of nature gypsum, the rock that lies under much of the area.
Construction firm Willmott Dixon was awarded a £10.2 million contract last year to build the pool and refurbish the leisure centre. It is due to be complete in November 2021.
Read more:
The hole was discovered next to the entrance of the existing leisure centre last year and has been filled with crushed gravel as a short-term solution.
However, consultant engineers have told the council that further investigation will be required and remedial work if necessary.
The current insured value of the centre is £3,796,135 plus 10% contents, which the authority says would be lost should any damage be caused as a result of the work.
But, council officers have said this would be a "worst case scenario" and is considered to be an "unlikely event".
In order to carry out the work, the council will have to self-insure as it says it will not be covered by any third-party insurance.
A report due before the council’s cabinet next week says:
It added that the engineers found that the hole had been there “for some time” and was not a result of the current work at the leisure centre site.
Councillors have been recommended to approve the investigation, which is estimated to cost £110,000, and any remedial works.
The Stray Ferret asked the borough council what caused the hole to appear, how wide it was and if any further voids or sinkholes had been found.
A council spokesman said:
Concerns over the Leisure Centre site
Cllr Andrew Williams, leader of Ripon City Council, said the authority had asked the borough council about concerns over the site before.
Sixteen months before Harrogate council approved the project in 2019 to build the new swimming pool, a sinkhole appeared in the leisure centre car park.
Cllr Williams said:
Ground instability problems caused by the soluble nature of gypsum have been seen in many parts of Ripon.
The Stray Ferret reported in October 2020 about the evacuation of a residential block at Bedern Court, caused by subsidence in the area.
In February 2018, a sinkhole opened up on the car park of Ripon Leisure Centre, off Dallamires Lane.
In 2016, a dozen homes in Magdalens Road were evacuated after a 66-ft wide sinkhole opened up.
0