Leisure centre to close for £900,000 refurbishment

A leisure centre is set to close next month to undergo £900,000 of "essential" maintenance and improvement work.

The Leisure Centre Keighley is to be fully rewired and fitted with solar panels, with work also being done to bring the venue's main slide back into use, Bradford Council said.

The work, which is due to begin on 1 February, is being funded in part by the government's Swimming Pool Support Fund.

A council spokesperson said other energy saving measures would also be made as part of the work to "reduce the centre's long-term running costs".

The upgrades mean the pool, gym and sports classes at the centre on Hard Ings Road will be unavailable, though a limited number of activities will continue at the adjoining Victoria Hall.

Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for healthy people and places, said: "While we appreciate that this temporary closure will be frustrating for customers, these works will mean that The Leisure Centre Keighley will be able to operate in a more energy and cost-efficient way, making it much more environmentally and financially sustainable."

Members of the leisure centre were told they can choose to apply for a refund, freeze payments, or use other nearby council-run facilities during the closure.

It is hoped the work will be completed in time to re-open in early summer.

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