Work begins on redeveloping Pioneer Leisure Centre

14 May 2008

Work begins in two weeks on the redevelopment of Pioneer Leisure Centre.

The Centre’s three squash courts will close next Friday (23 May), the double-height area occupied by the courts being redeveloped to expand the Fitness Centre and the number and type of classes offered through the Aerobics Room.

For some time Leisure Centre members have been cancelling memberships, being turned off from using the facility because of overcrowding and having to wait to use equipment, says Acting Pioneer Leisure Centre Manager Jacquie Hibbs.

"Meanwhile, during the last decade there has been a significant fall-off in the popularity of squash, reflected in the continually declining numbers using the squash courts at Pioneer.

"There has been poor daily use of the squash courts; on average about 25 players use the facilities after 5pm on weekdays. This compares with a daily average of more than 450 customers through the Fitness centre and Aerobics Room."

Work on the redevelopment is expected to begin on Monday 26 May and take four months to complete. The new facilities will be operational from early October, in time for the fourth term.

"Unfortunately, with a project of this nature there will always be some issues relating to noise and access to facilities. The work programme has been designed to ensure there is minimal impact, customers being able to continue to enjoy Pioneer’s facilities and services throughout the redevelopment phase. Where noise and dust will be a major issue, work has been scheduled after hours."

Ms Hibbs says when the redeveloped areas open in October, the community will have a wonderful new facility. "There will be double the amount of space for the Fitness Centre and Aerobics Room, less crowding, new equipment and a number of new classes to help keep our customers active."

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