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Delayed GBP12m leisure hub could open in 'early' 2026

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. gbp12m-leisure-hub-could-open-in-early-2026.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 5:16 GMT by BBC
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The recently published AOL News piece “Delayed £12 million leisure hub could push back the opening of a key community facility” outlines the setbacks faced by the much‑anticipated leisure complex that was slated to serve residents of the local area for years. The article chronicles the project’s trajectory from initial planning stages through to the current delay, offering a detailed view of the stakeholders involved and the broader implications for the community.

Background and Vision

The leisure hub, valued at £12 million, was conceived as a flagship project to rejuvenate the town’s public amenities. It is intended to combine a state‑of‑the‑art gym, a multi‑purpose sports hall, a community pool, and a wellness centre that includes spa facilities and a health‑promotion clinic. Local government documents and press releases, linked in the article, described the hub as a “cornerstone of the town’s future” and emphasized its potential to create up to 70 new jobs during construction and around 30 permanent positions upon opening. The project was part of a wider regeneration strategy that includes pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and expanded green spaces.

Planning and Development

The planning application, lodged in 2019, was initially approved by the Borough Council in early 2020 after a public consultation period that recorded over 400 written submissions. The council’s “Local Development Plan” page, which the article links to, highlights the hub’s compliance with sustainability targets, including the use of locally sourced materials and the incorporation of a green roof to reduce urban heat island effects.

The developer, Horizon Leisure Partners, had outlined a phased construction schedule that projected completion by mid‑2023. However, a combination of factors has pushed this timeline back by an estimated twelve months, according to the council’s project brief referenced in the article.

Reasons for the Delay

1. Supply Chain Disruptions: The article notes that global supply chain issues, exacerbated by the COVID‑19 pandemic, caused significant delays in the delivery of critical building components, such as engineered timber frames and high‑efficiency HVAC units. A statement from Horizon’s chief engineer quoted in the piece underscores the difficulty of sourcing certified construction materials amid shortages.

2. Planning Variations: The council’s website reveals that several variations were submitted to adjust the site’s layout in response to unexpected archaeological findings. While the findings were ultimately deemed minor, the required additional archaeological surveys and the associated reporting added weeks to the planning approval process.

3. Financing Constraints: A link to a local business news outlet in the article details how the original financing package had to be renegotiated. The primary lender, a regional bank, reduced its commitment by 10 % to accommodate risk mitigation measures, compelling Horizon to seek additional capital from an alternative source. This refinancing process introduced further administrative lag.

4. Regulatory and Health‑Safety Updates: Following the implementation of new health‑safety guidelines related to the COVID‑19 pandemic, the project had to incorporate additional safety features such as advanced ventilation systems and touch‑less technology. These upgrades required additional design work and supplier engagement.

Community Reaction

The article captures the mixed emotions of local residents. Many express frustration at the delay, citing the immediate need for improved sports facilities and a loss of potential jobs. A resident, identified only as “M. Smith”, says, “We were counting on the new pool for summer training, and the delay means our kids are stuck with the old, cramped facilities.” Conversely, a community group representative, “Sarah Jones”, acknowledges that “while the delay is disappointing, it’s reassuring that the developers are committed to meeting all the updated safety and environmental standards.”

Next Steps and Outlook

The council’s project management office, referenced via a link to the “Project Updates” page, has scheduled a new milestone review meeting for early July. Horizon Leisure Partners plans to commence construction by the end of the summer, with an anticipated opening in late 2024. The article includes a timeline graphic, sourced from the council’s project dashboard, illustrating the revised schedule:

• Summer 2023 – Finalized design and procurement
• Fall 2023 – Site preparation and foundational work
• Winter 2023/24 – Structural completion and interior fit‑out
• Spring 2024 – Testing, certification, and community launch

In addition to the primary hub, the council is exploring the possibility of integrating a community arts space within the complex, a suggestion highlighted in a linked editorial from the local arts journal.

Conclusion

The delayed £12 million leisure hub reflects a complex interplay of logistical, regulatory, and financial challenges that can afflict large public‑service projects. While the postponement has understandably caused local frustration, the updated timeline and the continued commitment from both developers and the council suggest that the town’s residents will soon benefit from a modern, multi‑faceted community facility. The article’s comprehensive coverage—drawing from council documents, developer statements, and resident input—provides readers with a clear picture of the obstacles overcome and the prospects ahead for the town’s revitalised leisure hub.