£2.5m sports centre plans at former college site revealed

Nearly £2.5m is set to be spent creating a new public gym and sports centre at a former college site in York.

Next week, City of York Council will decide whether to invest £2.45m on sports facilities at the former Burnholme College site on Bad Bargain Lane.

If the plans go ahead, the investment will allow the facilities to be open for 75 hours a week – up from the current 20 – which will include a fitness gym, a junior gymnastics coaching programme with opportunities for after school and weekend coaching, and pitches will be improved alongside free open access to the grounds.

Greenwich Leisure (GLL) will work with the council on the refurbishment as part of its management contract and will deliver its Healthwise programme from the hub.

Cllr Nigel Ayre, executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “This is a significant project to improve sporting and active leisure in the city and complement provision at Energise, Yearsley and the Community Stadium.

“With it, we’re creating new opportunities for more inclusive all-weather sport and fitness facilities as well as building on existing community links to improve residents’ health and fitness levels.”

Cllr Carol Runciman, executive member for adult social care and health, said: “We’re proposing a programme of activities which will attract a wide range of users of all ages and abilities.

“We will encourage informal and more structured activities for all ages, including reaching out to older people, families and those with medical conditions to encourage them to be more active.”