Leisure centre applies for permission to extend and modernise

The centre wants to expand its cafe and build a soft play area

A leisure centre in Bristol has applied for planning permission to extend its premises and undergo a refurbishment.

Horfield Leisure Centre, in the north of the city, wants to make its cafe bigger, build a soft play facility and modernise the venue.

The centre also wants to build a brand-new gym, update its reception, and install new sensory lights in the swimming pool, with work starting as early as Spring this year.

It's part of a wider project which could see the centre win a £3.5m grant from the council.

'Long-lasting change'

The new soft play area at the site, run by Everyone Active, will be three-tiers tall and 135sq metres and include seating, while the newly-moderised coffee shop will be extended to be over 200 sq metres.

Planning is also being sought for a new extension at the front of the building.

Marvin Rees, the Mayor of Bristol, said: "Leisure facilities remain essential to the health and wellbeing of Bristol’s communities. Everyone Active’s Horfield site plays a significant part in this, which is why I’m pleased to announce these new proposals.

"The extension of the cafe and soft play areas, as well as an extensive renovation of the gym facilities, will create positive and long-lasting change for the local community and beyond."

Cameron Bate, the contract manager for the centre, said: "We're eagerly awaiting the decision. Almost every inch of the leisure centre will be improved in one way or another under this project.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade the site which will benefit existing members – and welcome new ones. A brand-new soft play site for the local community will present a fantastic opportunity for young people to get active and have fun, while the cafe will support the communities that attend the leisure centre."