The new Knaresborough leisure centre is set to be built on the same site as the current one, it was revealed today.
Harrogate Borough Council said it had chosen the existing site on King James Road as its preferred option.
It was one of four options, along with Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough House and Hay-a-Park under consideration.
The council faced a backlash for considering Grade II* listed Conyngham Hall, with Knaresborough Civic Society among those opposing the move.
A Hands Off Conyngham Hall Grounds petition by the Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats attracted more than 1,600 signatures.
But that option now seems to be off the table.
Conyngham Hall appears to be off the table.
Ian Clark, Knaresborough Civic Society’s secretary, welcomed the decision. He told the Stray Ferret:
“This is good news for many people in Knaresborough. Conyngham Hall was not a suitable option for a leisure centre.
“It would not have done the historic building any favours if they built a new site right next to it and replaced park land with a car park.”
The decision is likely to be ratified at a council cabinet meeting on December 2. Residents will then be consulted on whether they agree.
Local property consultants Carter Jonas looked at the leisure centre options.
The council said the decision was based on factors including location, physical appearance, access as well as planning and legal issues.
A new £10 million leisure centre is also being built in Ripon. It will have a six-lane, 25-metre pool, an extended gym and sauna suite, three activity studios and meeting rooms.
Leisure services plans for the district take a step forward
Harrogate Borough Council also announce today is was set to appoint Alliance Leisure Services as its development manager for leisure.
The company, based in Somerset, will be responsible for the delivery of investment in leisure sites in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Read more:
- Conyngham Hall plans ‘cultural vandalism’
- New consultation planned over future of leisure services
- Harrogate council approves leisure services overhaul
Councillor Stanley Lumley, the council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, will be asked to approve the decision tomorrow.
Cllr Lumley said:
“There are some exciting times ahead that shows our investment in the future of the sport and leisure facilities in the Harrogate district.”
