Leisure Centre Shutting Down Early
A Gosport leisure centre's being forced to close down early after storms back in April ripped part of the roof off.
Gosport Borough Council can confirm that the contract with Arena for the running of the old Holbrook Leisure Centre will terminate on the 30th June 2012.
Following serious damage to the roof of Holbrook Leisure Centre, Gosport Borough Council has been left with no other choice than to close the facility.
The Leisure Centre has deteriorated considerably over the last winter and in late April the unusually severe storms tore half of the roof away above the main pool. This has been temporarily repaired with plastic.
However, the whole roof must be replaced and the estimated cost of this is at least £30,000. The Council has also received many complaints over the general condition of the Centre and money needs to be invested to address Health & Safety issues such as the steps to the pool.
Councillor Mark Hook, Leader of the Council said "It is regrettable that we have not been able to keep Holbrook open for a little longer but the roof blowing off has been the final straw. It will cost a lot of money to repair for a short period of time and I just cannot justify the expenditure from public funds."
Following the closure of the Centre, Arena will commence de-commissioning and works to enable the demolition of the centre will start immediately.
"Considering the rapid deterioration in the condition of the centre we have no choice but to close it at the end of June," added Cllr Hook."The Council is working with Arena, DC and Job Centre Plus to provide support to the staff at Holbrook. The Council has also secured an assurance from D C Leisure who will operate the new Leisure Centre that they will guarantee an interview to all existing staff interested in a job in the new leisure centre."
In addition, the Council has agreed with Job Centre Plus that they will offer support and training to any of the staff who would like it.
The new Leisure Park which is under construction to the rear of the old centre is to open in late 2012 and will provide state-of-the-art facilities for Gosport residents.
