East Suffolk Council

Frequently asked questions about Leiston Leisure Centre closure

When are these works due to commence and how long will they take to complete?

Works are expected to start from 1 September 2018 and take approximately ten months, with a planned full reopening in summer 2019.

Why are you planning to shut the centre completely?

The redevelopment is a major undertaking and the developers have set out a timetable of works, which include the removal of asbestos and significant structural demolition and building. For health and safety reasons, having customers and staff on site during this time is considered dangerous. The works have been programmed to ensure minimal disruption and the period of full closure will be approximately six months subject to contractor work programme. The pool is planned to reopen in early 2019 and the rest of the facilities have a phased opening over a further six months. 

What will happen to the facility between now and the proposed closure period?

Places Leisure are committed to keeping the facility operating to their current high standards through to the closure on 31 August 2018. Places Leisure will contact all their members to confirm options during the closure period. Up until the closure date it is business as normal so for enquiries please visit www.placesforpeopleleisure.org or contact the site on 01728 830364

What are you doing to Leiston Leisure Centre during the redevelopment?

Improvements will be made to the changing areas, providing high quality village wet changing facilities with family friendly parent and child cubicles, separate changing for schools and individual wet-side changing cubicles and showers.

A new health suite containing a sauna, steam and ice feature, a feature shower and relaxation area is being created, accessible from poolside.

The facility will include a new entrance space, with a café offer and an enhanced pool viewing area featuring a soft play area for children.

The community will be able to access more fitness classes with the addition of two dance studios and a group cycling studio, which will also serve as multi-use bookable rooms. Through listening to initial feedback and advice from Sport England, the two squash courts are being retained.

Improvements will also be made to the lighting in the pool area and the front car park will be resurfaced.

I/my children attend a swimming lesson/club, where will I/they swim during the closure?

Places Leisure will, where possible, make suitable alternative arrangements and notification will been sent to all parents and guardians. 

If your child swims through the school programme, we will be working with schools to determine what the options will be for the autumn term.

Why did you choose to do these works in the new autumn term?

There is never a good time to complete the works, however the works are scheduled to take approximately ten months and the timetable has been driven by a number of different factors. Closure over one school term allows timetabling to be reorganised during the works, wherever possible to different sites. It is envisaged that the site will be open fully in summer 2019. Whilst there will be short term disruption, the end result will both improve and increase the activities available and provide a fantastic quality facility that will be fit for purpose for many years to come.

Where possible alternative solutions are being explored for the gym and class function within the local community. Further details will be available once known. 

How does it affect members?

The operators, Places Leisure will write to everyone affected setting out the process and offering alternative options through the development project.

Membership will run until the end of August 2018 and automatically cancelled unless you tell the operators otherwise. Depending on the type of membership you hold, there will be different options available.

Swimming membership: closure to the pool will be approximately 5 months subject to the building contractors work schedule.

Fitness membership: closure will be from September 2018 until summer 2019, subject to the building contractors work schedule.

Gym only and Premium members will be offered a special one-off rate for the duration of works and will be entitled to access Deben and Felixstowe Leisure Centres during the development and a 3 months reduced rate on return to Leiston.

Will there be a price increase in membership fees from 2019?

Prices going forward will reflect the quality of the new facilities. There will be an all new inclusive membership allowing gym, classes, swimming and access to the new health suite, for which prices will be confirmed in 2019. Swimming only membership will also still be available. 

Will the pool be hotter after the redevelopment?

No alterations are planned for the pool tank or water, water temperatures will continue to be managed within industry guidance.

Where can I find up to date information regarding the scheduled maintenance works?

We will provide regular communication in relation to the works via numerous channels:

• East Suffolk District Council website
• Sign up to direct information through a newsletter via leisure@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
• Suffolk Coastal Facebook page and Twitter feed
• Link via Leiston Leisure Centre website
• In-centre displays and information (where possible)
• Places Leisure member mailshots

How much is all the work costing?

The project will cost in the region of £3,500,000 from the Council’s capital budget programme. The redevelopment will reduce the current cost to the taxpayer for leisure services in the district in the longer-term.

Will there be an impact on car parking?

There will be some spaces that cannot be used due to health and safety around the demolition of the front and side of the building and the site of the compound, including some disabled spaces. These areas will be clearly marked. 

Will my child still be dropped and collected from the high school entrance behind the Leisure Centre?

Discussions have been had with the school and buses will still be able to access the site. Please note that sections of the car park will be a building site and care should be taken. The council and the development contractors, Pulse Design and Build cannot be held responsible for damage to vehicles in the car park.