Our conversation on how our leisure centre can be improved starts today. We have already started making the centre Carbon Neutral, and the new outdoor play area is currently being installed following previous consultation.
Now for the big questions. Are you happy with proposals to redesign the inside of the centre?
This would include
- A new cafe
- A redesigned fitness suite with the weights area incorporated into it.
- A wellbeing suite which will provide specialist equipment to help people will provide a range of specialist equipment aimed at people who are older, suffering from a long term health condition or who are new to or returning to exercise. This space will be in addition to the gym, and will be a space for people to improve their health – physically, mentally and socially .
- A repurposing of the main hall, which would see this area converted to have a soft play area (with party rooms), a climbing zone and a new interactive adventure zone (TAG)
We also need to hear from those who use the main hall for sports on their views on these changes as well as to discuss alternative options for some sports. We are consulting as well on retaining sauna and steam facilities to ensure that we have the backing of users and the wider public to install these facilities and the knowledge that they will be well used.
The council is currently working with the Martial Arts group regarding use of one of the proposed repurposed rooms or with relocation to the neighbouring leisure centre should the consultation come back that residents are in support.
We are also talking with other venues about the possibility of badminton use remaining in the area should the proposals for the main hall move forwards.
Please attend the consultation days at Abbey Leisure Centre on Monday 1 November (2.00pm to 6.00pm) or Tuesday 9 November (9.00am to 1.00pm).
I will be attending the Tuesday 9th event 9am-10am and Mon 1st event from 4pm-6pm.
If you can’t attend the events, please use the online consultation and also let us know by email if you have specific views or simply call us. You can find all the details at this link:
https://durham.gov.uk/article/26403/Consultation-on-Abbey-Leisure-Centre-s-facilities
And the layout proposals at: