Huncote Leisure Centre to reopen
Blaby District Council is delighted to announce that Huncote Leisure Centre is expected to reopen in October.
Councillors approved the long-term plans for the leisure centre at Council on Tuesday 19 July and agreed to the proposal that once remedial works for landfill gas on the site have been completed, the building will reopen.
Huncote was originally closed in November 2021 after the discovery of elevated landfill gas levels, following routine maintenance works. Extensive work has been undertaken since the closure and is continuing to ensure the site is safe.
The Council has been in discussion with Everyone Active, who manage the leisure centre, regarding the future of the site. Several options were discussed, including the permanent closure of the site.
However, with the former landfill site in Huncote needing to be made safe whether the leisure centre is open or closed, Councillors were committed to ensuring this valuable community facility will reopen.
To enable to leisure centre to reopen, work has been prioritised at the front of the site, where the building lies. Once this area is safe, the leisure centre can resume operations for members and visitors. Leicestershire County Council’s Children and Family Wellbeing centre will also reopen within the leisure centre.
Following the works at the front of the site for the reopening of the leisure centre, important remedial work will continue across the rear of the site. This means that the BMX track, sports field and the footpath are expected to remain closed until April 2023.
Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “We are delighted to be in the position where we can offer clarity on the future of Huncote Leisure Centre. An enormous amount of hard work has taken place at the site over the last eight months, solving the landfill gas issues.
“Huncote Leisure Centre is too big an asset to lose forever. Residents and local businesses rely on the site and this decision not only makes financial sense for the Council, but also our local communities.”
“I would also like to thank all of our partners, including the leisure centre operators Everyone Active, for the positive dialogue we have had whilst we have tried to resolve the landfill gas issues. The strength of our relationship with Everyone Active has made this process so much easier.”
James Naylor, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “The expected reopening of Huncote Leisure Centre in October is fantastic news and we cannot wait to welcome everyone.
“The centre is a huge asset to the community and its reopening will allow people to improve their physical and mental health through exercise, as well as having fun.
“As we look to rebuild activities across the centre, customers will be informed of the initial opening times.
I’m sure there are so many people who are ready to enjoy the wide range of activities on offer at the centre once more, and we look forward to seeing them soon.”
Full details about the confirmed reopening date will be announced in the coming weeks.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Terry Richardson