Boost for sports centre facilities

Councillors gave the go-ahead for the funding to be released for ‘significant condition works’ at a meeting last week, as well as earmarking £150,000 for a new lift at the centre.

But it is not yet known how large a share of the cash, which will largely be spent on minor improvements, Dewsbury will receive.

The works are planned to take place at the same time Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), which runs the centre, carries out building work to double the size of the fitness area, improve training areas and make better use of the bar and kitchen.

Alex Mellor, general manager at the centre, said Dewsbury’s share of the cash could be spent on lighting and air conditioning works.

The Council has set aside money for a new lift, as well as upgrading the old one, to improve disabled access to the centre.

A Council report gave an initial budget of £150,000 for the lifts, but it said the works could cost up to £250,000.

This week the sports centre re-opened its spa facility, which now features a refurbished sauna and re-tiled steam room.

A state of the art salt vapour room – a natural relaxation treatment that can help sufferers affected by respiratory illnesses such as asthma – has also been installed.

Local boxing champion Gary Sykes, who uses the facilities after training sessions, opened the spa on Tuesday.

KAL’s improvement work is due to start at the centre in Longcauseway later this year, subject to planning permission, and will take 18 weeks.