IMPROVEMENT and expansion works at Meadowlands Leisure Centre has received the backing of local councillors who say that the work will bring ‘outstanding facilities’ to Tavistock, writes Lindsay Turpin.
Making a major investment in improving Meadowlands Leisure Centre, Fusion Lifestyle, which runs the facility on behalf of West Devion Borough Council, has confirmed that works have now started at the Tavistock centre.
As a flagship project for the sports and leisure charity, a series of extensive refurbishment, improvement and expansion works will be taking place, including the creation of new poolside changing facilities, fitness studio, gym and café.
Marking a multi-million-pound investment the works will take place in phases and are due for completion in Autumn 2018.
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Mayor of Tavistock Cllr Philip Sanders said: ‘The town council supports a long-term approach to sport and recreation and welcomes the investment Fusion Lifestyle is making in the health and wellbeing of the town.’
Borough councillor with responsibility for commercial services Robert Sampson said: ‘We are pleased to be a part of this flagship project for Fusion Lifestyle, which will provide the local community with outstanding new facilities and innovative training equipment.
‘People’s health and wellbeing is important and should be supported, which is why we welcome the investment into these facilities that everyone will use and enjoy for years to come.’
One of the biggest improvements taking place, and forming the first stage of works, is the full refurbishment of the poolside changing facilities, which will include new toilets, changing cubicles, lockers, showers and vanity areas.
To allow for the first stage of initial works to take place, Meadowlands has closed for two weeks to allow for a temporary entrance and changing area to be created. Re-opening on Monday (December 18), customers will be able to access the pool area via the temporary entrance at the rear of the building. The pool, showers and toilets will be accessible as normal during the first phase.
Once refurbishment of the wet change facilities is complete, work will commence on the expansion which will deliver exciting new additions including the creation of a new customer entrance and reception area, new dry change facilities, new café and new health and fitness facilities featuring a new gym and new studio for group exercise classes.
The works form part of a multi-million pound investment from Fusion Lifestyle, West Devon Borough Council and South Hams District Council in improving five Devon Leisure Centres. Other centres set to be significantly improved include Parklands Leisure Centre (Okehampton), Dartmouth Leisure Centre, Ivybridge Leisure Centre and Quayside Leisure Centre (Kingsbridge).
Rob Taylor, divisional business manager for Fusion Lifestyle, said: ‘Meadowlands Leisure Centre is a flagship project for Fusion Lifestyle, meaning that we are making a serious investment in expanding and improving the facilities currently available. This includes not only providing state of the art fitness facilities and equipment but also giving the much-loved centre a full revamp.
‘During the initial phase of works, we are aiming to keep disruption to a minimum wherever possible and would like to thank members and the public for their understanding and patience whilst these take place. All our plans for the centre have been designed to improve the experience for our members and the local community, providing them with bigger and better facilities.
‘As just one of the centres set to benefit from significant investment, it is a privilege to be involved in the running of these incredibly popular sites, ensuring that they continue to serve the community for years to come.’