£2.2 million upgrade underway at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket

A £2.2m upgrade and extension to Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket is now underway.

Mid Suffolk District Council, which owns the centre is investing the money in the project as part of its plans to upgrade its leisure provision in the district.

The work is expected to be completed by December and will include an extension to the current building to house a newly refurbished fitness suite, doubling the number of stations from 50 to 100.

There will also be refurbished showers and toilets in the fitness changing rooms, updated poolside railings and glass barriers, new technology to support lifeguards, new self-service facilities for customers to book activities and classes, and essential repairs and decorating, including mechanical and electrical upgrades, as well as external signage.

The sports hall, café, dance studios, public areas and shower and toilet facilities for swimmers, have already been seen an upgrade, which was completed during lockdown, for a phased re-opening.

Councillor Julie Flatman, cabinet member for communities and housing at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “I’m excited this work has now begun at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and I look forward to customers being able to use the new facilities once complete.

“This project forms part of our wider vision for Stowmarket, while ensuring we develop our sports and leisure infrastructure in Mid Suffolk to support our residents to remain active.

“We understand the importance of the health and wellbeing of our communities, and achieving the aims set out in our Leisure, Sport and Physical Activity Strategy will be of paramount importance over coming months and years.”

Anselm Gurney, contract manager for Everyone Active leisure centres in Mid Suffolk, which runs the centre, said: “It’s great we’re now starting work to upgrade facilities for our customers at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, to improve the fitness experience over the coming years.

“The new gym equipment is already being used by customers and is currently housed in the bowls hall, before it’ll move into the new extension once complete.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely in partnership with Mid Suffolk District Council, to benefit the local community by achieving our objective of getting everyone active.”

Works to refresh facilities at Stradbroke Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre were also completed this month, following a further investment of £200,000 by the council.

Everyone Active is also set to introduce and coordinate a new outreach programme in Mid Suffolk, which aim to bring sport and activity to a wider community.

The work at Stowmarket will be carried out by Callix Leisure Ltd.