A 30-YEAR-OLD leisure centre is to get a four million pound makeover to bring it into the 21st century.

It will mean closing the centre in Thirsk for up to eight months as work is carried out to transform it. Work is due to begin in February with cash for the transformation coming through Hambleton District Council.

They say once complete the centre will have a gym three times the size of the current one, which for the first time will be operational 24/7, a new studio for exercise classes and meetings, and a new cycling studio.

Outdated plant equipment that forced the centre’s pools to be closed several times last year will be replaced with greener, more environmentally sustainable equipment and it will have a new roof to sort out much needed repairs and condensation problems which have dogged the building.

Hambleton District Council has appointed Alliance Leisure Services Ltd as the scheme partner following extension work carried out by them at Northallerton Leisure.

Council leader Cllr Mark Robson said: “This really is fantastic news for Thirsk and makes clear our commitment as a council to investing in our local communities by providing leisure centres which are up to date, accessible and most importantly offer a positive experience.

“Investing such a significant amount into the leisure centre at Thirsk means we can make a huge difference to what’s on offer. Health and wellbeing has never been more important than it is now as we continue our battle against Covid-19 and as Leader I want to provide practical support to people when they need it most, and I hope this does just that. We’ve already made improvements to Northallerton and Stokesley Leisure Centres and work at Bedale is in the pipeline. Although there will be unavoidable disruption for a few months to allow the work to take place, I can reassure users it will be well worth the wait.”

Alliance Leisure Business Development Manager, Sean Nolan, added: “Following our successful development at Northallerton, we are really proud to be working in partnership with the Council again, now on the extension and redevelopment of Thirsk and Sowerby Leisure Centre. It is great to be working with such a forward thinking council that is committed to securing the future of public sector leisure facilities for years to come. Our Yorkshire based team will move onto the site in the next few weeks.”