A report due to be presented to the borough council’s executive on 17 August 2022, and will provide an update on the investigation works that took place earlier this year.
- HBC say the cost of the work is currently unclear and are being finalised
- The costs will form part of the cabinet report that will be published next week
- The facility is owned by Harrogate Borough Council so will be part of the capital programme, rather than be paid by Brimhams Active
These investigations came about following the discovery of a void underneath part of the original leisure centre. The void is understood to have been present for a number of years and was only discovered when the reinforced concrete slab, which provides the foundation for the new swimming pool, was cast.
Upon discovery of this void, the borough council appointed a contractor to carry out a thorough investigation programme to determine what works are required to ensure the original leisure centre facility can be refurbished as planned and continue to be used for many years to come.
Since the leisure centre was first built in 1995, there has been an improvement in engineering technology to assess ground conditions. The contractor has used this technology to produce a comprehensive report and programme of work, which will be provided to the cabinet.
If approved by the cabinet, the investment project is due to start in the autumn. Once the stabilisation works are complete – anticipated to be the following autumn – the first floor of the original leisure centre will reopen.
The remainder of the refurbishment work – which includes an extended gym, two new activity studios, a spin studio as well as meeting facilities – will also continue after this date.
The swimming, sauna and swim suite, changing village, reception area and foyer will remain open throughout for customers and members to enjoy.
A temporary gym, which will also be discussed at the cabinet meeting on 17 August, will open to coincide with this stabilisation work. The temporary gym will include the high-quality, state-of-the-art Technogym equipment currently available in the existing leisure and wellness centre. As well as the expert advice and guidance from the Brimhams Active team.
Councillor Stanley Lumley, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, and chair of the board of directors at Brimhams Active, said:
By addressing these historic issues it allows us the opportunity to further invest in the facility and ensure future generations will be able to access modern sport and leisure facilities in their city for many years to come.
And by providing a temporary gym, while the ground stabilisation works take place, we can minimise the disruption to current and potential customers and ensure they can continue to maintain their health and wellbeing goals.
