Devizes Leisure Centre to undergo major refurbishment

Devizes Leisure Centre is due to undergo significant construction works from May onwards, to improve the fitness facilities on offer.

This will include a full replacement of the fitness equipment and flooring in the main gym and current weights room, the addition of a consultation room, and the creation of a modern fitness suite.

The current upstairs studio will also be refurbished to make it a fit-for-purpose group exercise space.

Wiltshire Council says it will add the necessary infrastructure to provide a “suitable environment and customer experience” at the centre.

Work is expected to begin towards the end of May and be completed by autumn.

Interim arrangements will be in place at the centre, because of the works, from May 16 onwards.

Plans for what the refurbishment will look like (Image: Wiltshire Council)

This includes the temporary relocation of the gym to the hall, and a two-day closure of the gym, starting on May 20, will be in force while equipment is moved to its new home.

The council aims to provide all current gym equipment in the hall during the works but added this may not be possible.

During the closure, gym users are advised to use nearby sites in Calne and Melksham.

Because of the relocation, the hall will be reduced from four courts to three.

Fitness classes will relocate during the studio refurbishment and some may be cancelled, with the council set to confirm a programme.

Casual badminton and squash booking will be reduced and bookings of the whole hall will be unavailable.

The council has said it will aim to reduce the inevitable “disruption”.

Plans for what the refurbishment will look like (Image: Wiltshire Council)

To compensate for any inconvenience, it will reduce the price of life zone and fitness zone DD memberships by 25 per cent during the project.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for leisure, said: “I’m pleased to be able to share the plans we have for Devizes Leisure Centre, which demonstrates our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.

“We apologise for any disruption caused by these works, but the outcome will be well worth any interim arrangements.

“The improvements we are making to some of our leisure facilities have been carried out following detailed planning, and we will have more news on other improvement projects in due course.

“In today’s financial climate, it’s now more important than ever that we spend our money wisely and get the absolute best value we can, while still providing a better user experience and improving people’s health”.