Fenland leisure centre revamp delayed until December

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 16:38 · Archive

Fenland District Council has postponed a decision on redeveloping Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey until December after its main contractor went into administration.

Fenland District Council has postponed its decision on redeveloping Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey until December. The 1960s leisure centre and swimming pool have been the subject of redevelopment plans for two years, but the main contractor went into administration in May, delaying the planned November start date.

Council officers have also discovered that the swimming pool work is 'much more serious' than originally anticipated. This means the plans must undergo a major change with a fresh planning application and value-for-money report. The cabinet will consider three options: maintaining the existing facility with pool tank repairs, maintaining the existing facility with pool tank replacement, or complete redevelopment estimated to cost £23m including a £2.5m grant from Sport England.

Council leader Chris Boden said it was 'disappointing' the vote had been pushed back but said that 'comprehensive redevelopment' 'does seem to make greatly more sense' for providing a long-term facility lasting decades rather than years. Councillors have addressed speculation about the council's commitment to the leisure centre, stating they are '100 per cent' dedicated to the principle.

How it is being reported

• Decision on leisure centre revamp delayed amid 'serious' swimming pool workA decision on the redevelopment of the Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey has been delayed until December.Cambs Times · 20 Oct, 18:02
• Leisure centre revamp delayed as swimming pool work 'more serious' than anticipatedThe redevelopment of a Fenland leisure centre has faced a number of setbacks including a bankrupt contractor and an increasing budgetCambridgeshire Live · 20 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Fenland District Council · Manor Leisure Centre · Whittlesey · Sport England · Chris Boden · Steve Count · Steve Tierney

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