Plans for a £1.8 million extension at Christchurch’s only council operated leisure centre are set to be approved, creating new space for exercise classes and fitness activities.
Cabinet members are expected to back proposals for Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre which would see a two storey extension built to provide two new purpose built studios, allowing a wider range of classes to be offered and reducing reliance on squash courts and the sports hall.
The leisure centre currently has swimming pools, a fitness suite, indoor cycling, squash courts and outdoor pitches, but the lack of a dedicated studio has limited how many group exercise classes can be run at the same time and restricted future growth.
An independent review in 2022 identified improving the health and fitness offer as a priority, with national Sport England data showing exercise class participation rising by 1.6 per cent each year, adding weight to the case for additional studio space.
A report to cabinet says the new studios would each cater for between 30 and 40 people per session, increasing capacity and flexibility for different activities, while pre planning advice has already been carried out ahead of a future application.
Councillors are advised that not proceeding could increase financial pressure through reduced membership, while approving the scheme would require an increase to the council’s borrowing limit, which will also be considered by the audit and governance committee.
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