Council Leader, Councillor Tudor Evans and Deputy Leader, Councillor Pete Smith visited Plymouth Life Centre this week for a final tour of the works as the planned reopening gets ever-closer.
There has been significant progress with contractors Balfour Beatty, Arcadis and our operational partners Everyone Active working flat out to finish the work programme which started last August, and it’s clear the finishing line is in sight.
The visit represents the first opportunity to showcase the many areas of the centre that have been overhauled, and now receiving finishing touches ahead of the centre beginning to reopen next month.
Male and female changing areas have been transformed with new lockers, cubicles, flooring, and lighting and refinished walls. The introduction of a new studio that can be used for yoga and Pilates is another highlight, this addition reflects the ever-changing leisure sector, as demand for these activities has soared over recent years.
Less eye-catching upgrades to the heating and ventilation systems throughout the building can’t be underestimated, as they will improve air quality and mitigate the risk from air borne viruses and contagions, such as Covid-19. There has also been a part unveiling of an ambitious new visual installation in the main corridor.
Since Plymouth Life Centre opened in 2012, it has continued to be a leading training facility for athletes who have medalled at major international events, in their respective sports. The ‘Train to Fame’ installation celebrates the achievements of those athletes who are part of the centre’s history – and we look forward to welcoming them back along with the rest of the public.
Council Leader, Tudor Evans, said: “I am really impressed by the new facilities and improvements at Plymouth Life Centre. Contractors have worked through some of the most challenging months in memory to deliver a facility to be enjoyed for many more years to come.
“On the back of the repeated lockdowns since last August, I’m glad we seized the opportunity to undertake this works programme, allowing the work to get done, whilst reducing inconvenience to members and sports groups.
“I thank these members and sports groups for their continued support and patience during the works, in what has been a tremendous team effort.”
Deputy Leader, Pete Smith said; “The progress on-site is there to be seen, it doesn’t feel that long ago when tonnes of concrete where being removed in preparation for the improvements.
“Knowing that we are getting near reopening is really satisfying, this comes just at the right time when we are getting set to move out of lockdown over the coming months.
“The contractors are not letting up, and are working very hard to remain on schedule in getting this iconic regional and national venue delivered back to the people of Plymouth.”
In accordance with the Government’s roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions, the gym and new changing rooms at Plymouth Life Centre will be available from 12 April, with the 50 metre pool and leisure pool opening at the end of April.
Work on the diving pool is expected to be complete by early June.
The work follows more investigations when a complete re-render and re-tile of the pool walls was instigated to prevent further works being required further down the line.
These additional works have affected the timescales for the dive pool reopening but significantly, swimming and other aquatic activities will available from the end of April.