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02
Nov 2022
New £17m Knaresborough leisure centre starts to take shape
The steel frame for the new leisure and wellness centre on King James Road in Knaresborough is starting to take shape.
The centre, which is due to open at the end of next summer, will include a six-lane 25-metre pool, activity pool with flume, sauna and steam room, fitness suite and studio, spin studio, café, electric car charging points and cycle storage.
It is being built next to the current leisure centre, which will stay open until the new facility is ready.
Harrogate Borough Council, which is funding the project, previously said this will be in July next year.
Once it opens, the existing pool will be demolished and replaced by a new play area, which is due to take a further 15 weeks.
The council has appointed Bristol-based firm Alliance Leisure to carry out construction work.
Councillor Stanley Lumley, the council's cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, said in a statement today:
Councillors Stanley Lumley (left) and Phil Ireland
Councillor Phil Ireland, cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability and borough councillor for the Knaresborough Aspin and Calcutt ward, said the centre would be "a brilliant addition for the town of Knaresborough", adding:
The BREEAM standard is based on an assessment of the building's sustainability and energy performance.
Councillors Phil Ireland and Stanley Lumley with project manager Julian Donnelly.
Civic society view
The centre will be powered by air source heat pumps and solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint.
Andy Grinter, secretary of Knaresborough Civic Society, said it was pleased the centre was not going to be run on gas.
Speaking after a recent civic society visit to the site, Mr Grinter said it was also heartened to hear the council planned to appoint local caterers.
He aded:
He said senior manager "gave us reassurances that it is on time and on budget" but the society was surprised to discover the centre is only expected to have a shelf life of 25 to 30 years.
Mr Grinter also said the society remained unconvinced there was a need for a new centre and was disappointed by the modern design, close to Knaresborough conservation area. He said:
Main photo shows Councillors Stanley Lumley and Phil Ireland, Alliance Leisure business development manager Sean Nolan and ISG project manager Julian Donnelly.
Read more:
- Building society opens new branch in Knaresborough Library
- Pictures show progress of £28m Harrogate Hydro and Knaresborough Leisure Centre works
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