Green light for £2.2million refurbishment at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket
Plans to carry out a £2.2million refurbishment at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket have been given the green light this week after a council planning officer used emergency delegated powers.
Mid Suffolk Council's chief planning officer gave the go-ahead to ensure that works could get under way once lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Cllr David Burn, cabinet member for planning at Mid Suffolk District Council, added: “The green light for these plans means we can be prepared and ready to carry out the necessary essential repairs and upgrades as soon as possible and our communities can enjoy modern facilities without unnecessary delay.”
The works will see an extension added to the current building as well as essential repairs and decorating carried out.
Environmentally-friendly options, including solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, are to be explored before work starts.
The council's cabinet previously approved funding for the project, which will come from its growth and efficiency fund, in February this year.
Cllr Julie Flatman, cabinet member for housing and communities, said: “This is an exciting step towards our wider vision for Stowmarket and developing our sports and leisure infrastructure, as well as improving fitness provision in Mid Suffolk so we can support our residents to remain active.
“The Covid-19 outbreak has demonstrated the importance of the health and wellbeing of our communities, and achieving the aims set out in our Leisure, Sport and Physical Activity Strategy will be of paramount importance during the recovery over the following months and years.”
Plans were put forward by Everyone Active, as part of a proposed arrangement currently under negotiation to manage Mid Suffolk’s leisure facilities for the next 15 years.
Anselm Gurney, contract manager at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre for Everyone Active, said: “While we face unprecedented and challenging times at the moment, we are excited our plans have been approved so we can look to deliver much-needed improvements for our customers’ fitness experience at our centres.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely in partnership with Mid Suffolk District Council, to benefit the local community by achieving our objective of getting everyone active.”
