Plans to build new leisure centre at Guildford Spectrum shelved
Instead, the Borough Council will look at how to extend the lifespan of the current building
Plans to build a new leisure centre at Guildford Spectrum have been shelved by the Borough Council.
A feasibility study looking at bulding a replacement venue had previously been carried out as costs to maintain the 27 year old building are rising.
Instead, the authority intends to carry out a full study to identify the best way to increase the Spectrum's lifespan.
The authority is also considering extending its partnership contract with Freedom Leisure.
Lead Councillor for the Environment, Cllr James Steel provided this update on Spectrum Leisure Centre:
"The Spectrum continues to be a fantastic servant to Guildford, welcoming 1.7 million visitors a year and providing a wide variety of sport and leisure facilities since opening in 1993.
"However, it is beginning to show its age and maintenance costs are rising. As such, a decision on a long-term plan will soon be needed.
"Our Executive Advisory Board has endorsed a plan to carry out a full study to identify the best way to increase the current building's lifespan, taking into account costs, the value the venue brings to residents and our objectives to reduce carbon emissions from our operations.
"We are currently considering a proposal from Freedom Leisure to extend our partnership contract with them.
"The contract allows for the possibility of two extensions of two years each, the first of which would take us through to October 2023. This will give us time to learn more about what leisure facilities we need to provide for our residents once the pandemic has ended.
"A replacement Spectrum Leisure Centre is therefore not being considered in the short-term, and money allocated to that project will be spent on ensuring we can make a fully-informed decision on the lifespan of the current building and future investment plans.
"The Spectrum also accounts for 50% of the council's total energy consumption and associated carbon emissions, and our detailed studies will identify what opportunities there are for reducing the venue's future climate change impact.
"This is the first stage in deciding our options for the future of a venue which is well-loved and valued by so many people in our borough and beyond."