Holsworthy Leisure Centre and Sports Hall - Temporary Closure

In October we were delighted to announce that Holsworthy Leisure Centre has received over £1,000,000 in funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The scheme provides grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures. The money will be used to install new air to water heat pumps which will replace the existing oil boiler.  The new heating system will not only help to significantly the costs associated with heating the building, swimming pool and hot water, but it will dramatically reduce carbon emissions.

The project is moving forward, and preparatory works have now started as we begin to develop the detail. This has involved undertaking studies and surveys to help us plan out the work in a safe sequence that will limit disruption to the local community and users of the facilities. Inspecting the parts of the premises that will be affected by the project works has identified internal areas where asbestos material is present.

Before any further work can take place in these areas the material needs to be safely removed by our specialist contractors. To facilitate these works the decision has been taken to temporarily close the facilities to enable the work to be completed in the safest and shortest time possible.

We appreciate that this closure is at short notice and is not part of our wider project plan, but it is important that we act responsibly in managing this part of the project in the appropriate manner. We will therefore be conducting further survey and monitoring work throughout the removal process to provide assurance to members that the facilities will only be re-opened when the works have been completed and the areas are cleared for ongoing use.

At this stage we expect the premises to remain closed during December, but open again for the New Year. There will be further periods of closure necessary throughout 2025 and these will be planned as part of the main works. In the meantime, we apologise to the community for any inconvenience caused and commit to doing everything possible to complete this initial phase of preparatory work as quickly as possible.  Active Torridge will be contacting Holsworthy Members directly.

Further updates will be available on both Active Torridge (opens in new tab) and Torridge District Council websites and social media pages as the project progresses.

27 November 2024