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Jul 2020

Last Updated: 20/07/2020

Knaresborough

Hundreds back campaign against leisure centre at Conyngham Hall

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 20 Jul, 2020

Conyngham Hall is one of four options for a new leisure centre in Knaresborough but campaigners would prefer the current swimming pool site to be redeveloped.

Hundreds of local residents have joined a Facebook group to campaign against Conyngham Hall being used as the site for Knaresborough's new leisure centre.

The campaigners support Harrogate Borough Council's plans to build a new swimming pool and gym in the town but would prefer to see the current leisure centre site on King James Road redeveloped.

Conyngham Hall is one of four proposed options for development. The current leisure centre site, Hay-a-Park and Knaresborough House are also under consideration.

Almost 600 people have joined a 'Hands off Conyngham Hall' Facebook page. Local resident Craig Arditto set up the page to share information and demonstrate to the council the strength of feeling against developing the historic hall.

He said:

"I didn't expect it to grow as it has. Our aim is to protect Conyngham Hall from development, it's an open space and brings in a lot of tourism. I think it would be a waste of the space if it was developed. I agree Knaresborough needs the facilities as a growing town and I am very supportive of the leisure centre plans but a redevelopment of the current site works better.

"The hall is outlined in plans which offer four options in Knaresborough. No site has been confirmed but ideally we want this site taken off the table."

Knaresborough and Ripon market traders have launched a petition against rental increases.

The council approves new leisure plans including borrowing £26 million for new facilities.

The hall is currently used as office space but its grounds are popular for leisure activities.

Hannah Gostlow, Knaresborough town councillor, said:

“I, along with many other residents in our town very much welcome the proposal of a new leisure centre for Knaresborough. However, I object to the proposal of building on this green space. I feel it would spoil the Conyngham Hall grounds and put too much pressure on already congested roads. I would prefer to see a new leisure centre developed on the footprint of the existing site."

Harrogate Borough Council this month approved plans to overhaul its leisure centres by handing control to a new council-owned company called Brimham Active.

A council spokesman said:

"We are just at the start of the process to build a new combined leisure centre for Knaresborough following the decision to invest more than £26 million improving leisure facilities in Harrogate and Knaresborough. No decision has been taken on where the new leisure centre in Knaresborough would be, or what activities it would be offering.”