A MAJOR refurbishment of Cricklade Leisure Centre is now complete.

Wiltshire Council invested £2.5 million into the project to transform the centre and ensure its long-term future.
An improved pool hall, a new dance and exercise studio, an extension to the fitness

suite, a multifunction room, extensive redecoration, expanded wet changing facilities, accessible pool facilities and a new lift access to the first floor are all part of the revamp.

The newly-refurbished centre will open its doors to the public when government restrictions allow.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for leisure Ian Blair-Pilling said: “This will truly be a centre for the entire community and we can’t wait to see it open its doors.

“We have a great track record of providing and revitalising high quality leisure facilities for residents to make the most of, and this is no exception.

“When restrictions are eased and we can all look forward to a more normal way of life, Cricklade Leisure Centre will continue to bring people together and be a facility for the local area to be proud of.”

The ownership of the building will be formally transferred from Wiltshire Council to Cricklade Town Council following the completion of the works after a deal worth £3m was struck in 2017. 

Cricklade Town Council chairman Mark Clarke added: “It is really pleasing to have reached this key milestone, particularly bearing in mind the difficult restrictions under which the contractors have had to work.

“I know that the residents are very keen to use the new facility and so we all hope that the wait will not be too long now. The future of leisure in Cricklade is a positive one”

The refurbished centre will continue to be run by Cricklade & District Community Association.

A CDCA spokesman said: “We’re delighted to be in a position to open the newly refurbished centre when current restrictions are lifted.

“It will be a great boost for our loyal members and we thank them and our staff for the support that has been shown to us over recent times.

“The refurbishment ensures the centre, one of Cricklade’s greatest assets, is part of our community for generations to come."