Major step forward for proposed new Barnstaple leisure centre

It's hoped work on the project will start later this year

A huge step forward towards plans for Barnstaple’s new leisure centre has been taken.

North Devon Council last week approved the recommendation to proceed with the construction of a new swimming pool, sports hall and exercise studios on the Seven Brethren site next to the Tarka Tennis Centre.

The new leisure centre would replace the existing North Devon Leisure Centre which is set to close in 2020, as past that period, it would be ‘unviable’, previous reports to the executive had said.

Subject to funding applications to Sport England and Coastal Communities Fund being successful, work on the project is set to start later this year,

The existing leisure centre offering a 25m swimming pool, 102 station gym, sports hall, 3 squash courts, spa, soft play and a friendly onsite café.

The final mix of facilities for the new sports centre has not been confirmed, but when the outline planning application was approved at the end of 2017, it was anticipated it would include an eight-lane 25m swimming pool, a teaching pool with a moveable floor, a four court sports hall with an extended width for roller derby use and high enough for trampoline use, a fitness suite, two exercise studios, and a reception area with a lobby and a café.

Once the existing leisure centre closes, the site will be disposed of and sold by the council.

The scheme also includes a new full size, artificial 3G grass pitch and the retention of a full size grass pitch to the south of the existing Tarka Tennis Centre. The project will cost almost £800,000 and is fully funded.

Executive Member for Parks, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Dick Jones, said: “A decision from Full Council is another positive step towards the delivery of a new pool and leisure facilities to replace our ageing leisure centre at Seven Brethren. The results of our funding applications are key and we have our fingers firmly crossed for some good news later this month.”

A public works loan will be taken out by the council to allow them to proceed with the construction of the new centre at Seven Brethren.

Cross-party support has been given to the project, with the leaders of the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Independent groups on North Devon Council saying: “Providing a new leisure centre for North Devon will achieve the aims of our Leisure and Health strategy and meet the needs of our residents and the many clubs and schools who make use of our current facilities. We are very hopeful that our applications for funding will be successful.”