Leisure centre to undergo £4.8 million refurbishment

Horfield Leisure Centre will be given a "new lease of life"

A leisure centre has been given the green light to undergo a major refurbishment set to cost £4.8m.

Bristol City Council has given permission for Horfield Leisure Centre to develop a new soft-play area, to add a135 sqm extension, to develop a modern café and to extend the gym.

Cameron Bate, contract manager for Everyone Active that submitted the application, said the changes would "give the centre a new lease of life".

To avoid complete closure of the leisure centre, some classes and activities would be relocated elsewhere in the building, Mr Bate said.

'Refreshed look'

Horfield Leisure Centre is home to a wide variety of leisure activities, including a sports hall, tennis courts, 25m pool and more than 150 sports classes hosted each week.

Mr Bate said: “We are so grateful to Bristol City Council for their investment in Horfield Leisure Centre.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to give the centre a new lease of life with brand-new facilities and a refreshed look and feel."

Mr Bate added he hoped that customers were "excited” about the changes to the centre, as it would open new doors of leisure for them.

Along with brand-new facilities, the centre plans to upgrade its existing structures, including the installation of a mezzanine floor, cycling studio, renovated reception area and energy-saving initiatives throughout the building.

Christina Gray, director for communities and public health at Bristol City Council said: “The refurbishments, improvements and expansions to Horfield Leisure Centre that are already under way will enhance what’s on offer to members and the local community."

The project is expected to take place in stages, with completion scheduled for February 2025.

While the new plans are expected to cause disruptions to ongoing activities at the centre, she said these would be kept to a “minimal”. Changes to any of the advertised activities will be published on the leisure centre's website, it said.