Go ahead given for improved, modern leisure facilities

Harrogate Borough Council’s decision-making executive has approved provision of modern and energy-efficient leisure facilities in both Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The Hydro in Harrogate will receive an extension and refurbishment of the swimming pools area and changing facilities, a new 4,300 sq ft fitness suite, improved reception and café and an overhaul of the existing gym and leisure facilities.

Outside, the building will be remodelled to complement the surrounding environment and there will be a reconfigured car park, landscaping, bicycle storage and electric vehicle charging points.

The diving structure will be replaced and existing gas boilers will be replaced with heat pumps, along with an installation of solar panels. The energy efficiency measures come following a successful £2.4m bid from the borough council through the Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) public sector decarbonisation scheme.

The new facility in Knaresborough will provide a six-lane 25-metre pool, an activity pool with flume, sauna and steam room, fitness suite and studio, spin studio, café, electric car charging points, bicycle storage and a large play area.

It will also incorporate high-efficiency building materials, air-source heat pumps and solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint.

The scheme being is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and delivered by Salix Finance.

Councillor Stanley Lumley, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport and chair of the board at Brimhams Active, a local authority controlled company, said: “Our vision is to create a healthier and more active population that are living longer, more independent and happier lives.

“And by creating first-class facilities like this we’ll be able to deliver the aims and objectives of Brimhams Active.”

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