THE next steps to develop the new Larkhall Leisure Centre have been confirmed by the council. 

Plans to revitalise the facility are now in place, with a consultant due to be appointed soon and the design and tender is now scheduled to take place from spring 2024 until spring 2025.

The council have confirmed that construction is expected to begin in the summer of next year, with plans to open the new venue in 2027.

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Council leader Joe Fagan said: “The current Larkhall Leisure Centre has held a special place in the heart of the Larkhall community for decades.

“The new facility will be a brand-new state-of the-art leisure centre which the community can be proud of, and which is fit for generations to come.”  The facility will be built on the grassed area adjacent to the school car park, allowing the current leisure centre to remain open while construction of the new one takes place.

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The initial consultation on the centre, which was carried out in March 2022, will help shape the design of the new facility and the council will continue to work with the Larkhall community.

The council previously identified £11.9 million of funding for the centre, with an extra £12 million likely to be needed to complete the project.

It was agreed earlier this year that the £12 million shortfall will be split over the next three years.