Following the recent launch of state of the art football pitches at Deeside Leisure Centre, plans are now being drawn up for extensive fitness, health and spa facilities, which will form the second phase of a multi million pound improvement scheme for the Centre.
The proposals, which are being put to the Council’s Executive next week (December 14), include a fitness facility of over 500sqm, supplying equipment to cater for a variety of markets, including the over 50s. There are plans for a dedicated 12 table toning salon, a spin studio and a dance studio, as well as brand new changing rooms. The proposed work will redevelop much of the space which was once Styles night club. A new façade for the building is also planned.
On top of that, a new day spa facility within the first floor fitness suite could be created. If the proposals get approved, this will include a large heat experience spa, complete with a herb sauna, crystal steam room, salt grotto, foot spas, and an aroma room.
This second phase is being developed under the partnership agreement Flintshire County Council signed with Alliance Leisure. Under that agreement, Alliance Leisure will project manage, design, build and fund a number of redevelopments throughout the four year contract and support the facilities to realise income. Potential improvement projects are also being considered at a number of the Council’s other centres.
The capital costs of these particular proposals are £2.429m. The costs to the Council will comprise of monthly rentals (paid to Alliance Leisure), to be met from the extra revenue provided by this investment. The total rentals will be spread over a 15 year period.
If the plans are given the go-ahead, the facilities could be opened by September 2011, with works expected to begin in the spring.
Cllr Dennis Hutchinson, Executive Member for Public Protection and Leisure, said:
“Without the support of Alliance Leisure, the Council would not have been able to access the funding needed to undertake anywhere near this level of leisure development. In these difficult financial times, when all the talk is of public sector budget cuts, partnering with a private sector company means we can still look to make facility and service improvements for the benefit of the local population.”
Ian Budd, Director of Lifelong Learning, added: “Flintshire’s residents deserve the very best in public services. From the already delivered six a side football pitches to the proposed new fitness suite and spa, this development programme is designed to bring the best in modern leisure facilities for all age groups.”
Julia Goddard, Business Development Manager of Alliance Leisure, said:
“The focus for all local authorities should now be on reducing subsidy and maximising income opportunities through lateral vision and intelligent use of space. Through creative design Deeside Leisure Centre will boast modern facilities to engage and inspire its local community.”
The proposals will be discussed by Flintshire County Council’s Executive on Tuesday 14 December.
