Demolition of fire-hit Selby leisure centre is confirmed

Selby District Council has confirmed it has asked Sport England to contribute £2 million towards the costs of the replacement centre, almost exactly a year since the original centre was gutted by fire.

Since the centre was destroyed, services have been provided at the new Profiles gym in the town, but following the demolition, it is planned that an improved leisure centre will be built in the next two years.

Council leader Mark Crane, said: “We know the loss of the swimming facilities has been particularly difficult for our residents and we want them to see that progress is being made and we will deliver brand new first-class leisure facilities for the district. The new leisure centre will be better suited to people’s needs.

“Councillors have been out and about talking to residents at Community Engagement Forums and other venues to let them know how the work is progressing and ensure that the facilities match what is needed.”

The new centre will include state-of-the-art equipment, a larger gym, health and fitness suite, a multi purpose activity hall, fitness studio and a new outdoor all-weather sports pitch. The new centre will also feature a new 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool.

Plans seen by The Press last year suggested the redevelopment of the site could cost as much as £9 million in total, but Coun Crane said the new facilities would benefit the community.

He said: “The start of the demolition work is the first step on the road to delivering fantastic new facilities for our residents.

“We want the new leisure centre to be a real focus for the whole community - this won’t just benefit Selby town; having this new facility on the doorstep will benefit people from across the district. It will be a real draw for the area.”

A council spokesman said the new leisure centre should take two years to complete, depending on the plans. The Profiles gym in Portholme Crescent will stay in place until then.