Plans to replace Bulmershe Leisure Centre with a modern £14million facility better suited to the needs of residents and local schools are progressing well.
The ‘soft strip’ of the old leisure centre is now underway, removing all non-structural items from inside and outside of the building, getting it ready for complete demolition in July and August.
The planning application for the new leisure centre was submitted in April, and this will be determined soon. The plans, submitted for approval, include a six-lane 25m swimming pool, a teaching pool with a movable floor to enable a larger number of groups of ages and abilities to use it, a bigger gym, a four-court sports hall, and an additional studio and a café.
The new centre will benefit the whole community by providing up-to-date, accessible and flexible facilities.
“This is a pivotal moment in the journey to create this state-of-the-art leisure provision in Woodley and North Earley,” said Cllr Norman Jorgensen, executive member for environment, leisure and libraries.
“Thank you to everyone who took part in the community sessions and consultation at the beginning of the year, and to those of you who gave us feedback on the planning application as part of the statutory consultation. Telling us what would most encourage you to use the new centre has helped us design something that is right for the community.
“The new centre is another huge investment, part of a range of new leisure facilities we are providing in the Wokingham Borough, to help everyone live healthy and active lives.”
While the new centre is being built, former Bulmershe users can use facilities at the St Crispin’s, Loddon Valley and Carnival Pool leisure centres.
The plan is for the new centre to open towards the end of 2020. It will be run by our new provider Places for People Leisure.
Photo shows Cllr Norman Jorgensen in the soon-to-be demolished pool at Bulmershe Leisure Centre
