Phase one of a major refurbishment project at Saltash Leisure Centre has been completed with the opening of new poolside changing rooms.
They include an accessible toilet and five showers – two of them for families, one that’s accessible and two that are temporarily in cubicles. The latter will be replaced by communal showers during the next stage of development.
A newly enhanced reception area and staff office are also fully operational.
Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs Saltash and eight other leisure centres in Cornwall on behalf of the council. Work at Saltash began in mid-June and the centre is remaining open throughout the development process.
“Everyone is delighted with the new changing rooms, with customers telling me it felt like Christmas,” said Sharon Speed, the leisure centre manager. “Their patience is much appreciated whilst improvements are underway.
“The next phase involves upgrading the area that has been used as the walk through to the pool – providing cubicle showers, communal showers and gym and class facilities that include changing pods, showers and toilets. It’s all very exciting and will make a big difference.”
The £1.8m project is part of Cornwall Council’s estates transformation programme and includes creating space for the Saltash registrar service, a local safe and well hub and meeting and work areas for Cornwall Council officers and members.
“Saltash Leisure Centre is well on its way to becoming the first community hub of its kind in Cornwall,” said James Curry, GLL Head of Service. “Bringing services together under one roof is a sustainable, cost-effective solution that will encourage greater use of the centre and all it can offer.
“The GLL team are doing everything they can to minimise disruption, and I’d like to thank them and our customers for continuing as normally as possible whilst work is going on.”
For regular updates, visit the website and @SaltashLeisureCentre on social media.