Leisure Centres Improvements - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Leisure Centres Improvements – ACCESSIBILITY improvements, gym extensions, and new soft play areas are being planned as part of overhauls at two Rochford leisure centres.

Leisure Centres Improvements - ACCESSIBILITY improvements, gym extensions, and new soft play areas are being planned as part of overhauls at two Rochford leisure centres.

ACCESSIBILITY improvements, gym extensions, and new soft play areas are being planned as part of overhauls at two Rochford leisure centres.

Rochford District Council is overseeing improvements at both Clements Hall, in Hawkwell and Rayleigh leisure centre, following an announcement that they will be switching leisure operator from Fusion Lifestyle to Everyone Active from April 1.

Included in Rochford Council’s plans to upgrade its leisure centres are the refurbishment and extension of Clements Hall gym, the creation of a new soft play space and the installation of new accessibility features such as swimming pool access equipment.

Julie Gooding, non-aligned councillor for Hawkwell West, has been closely involved in the switches of the new leisure operator.

She said: “I put my heart and soul into these plans, I don’t know how important these changes will be for residents.

“Having lived in Hockley for 40 years, I have used the leisure centre a lot and have always valued the social aspect that leisure centres offer.”

Rayleigh Leisure Centre will benefit from converting its creche into a spin studio, and having artificial turf pitches transformed into padel courts.

The news about proposed switching of football pitches to padel courts has not been greeted with uniform agreement, with sports leaders and councillors claiming the move is “anti-football” and will diminish the number of facilities available for young people.

Mrs Gooding insisted that the changes were a positive step adding: “I’m hoping we will be able to engage community members of all ages.

“Leisure centres are also an important tool in preventing illness and poor health further down the line, so I think the benefits will be endless.”

Coun Lisa Newport, Chair of the Community, Wellbeing and Housing Committee at Rochford District Council added: “A key focus of this new contract is to create opportunities to access activities within our leisure facilities.

“We are looking forward to working with Everyone Active and delivering quality services to our residents all across the district.”

Picture: Coun Gooding at Clements Hall.

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