More than 1,000 responses to £8.3m leisure revamp

Within the plans are proposals for a new soft play area, health and wellbeing centre and renovations to the gym

A council has received more than 1,000 responses over its £8.3m plans to transform a leisure centre.

West Suffolk Council hopes to revamp Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre with a new soft play area, health and wellbeing centre and renovations to the gym.

The results of the public consultation is due to be discussed at a West Suffolk Council cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Independent councillor Ian Shipp, the cabinet member for leisure, said: "With the strong likelihood of increased usage and new interest in the centre, we are committed to proceeding with the current programmes of work."

While residents responded to the consultation wanting to see a revamp of the facilities, they were concerned over how long it would need to be closed for and if membership costs would increase - the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Some of the responses questioned what the long-term benefits of the plans would be.

In 2023, the authority scrapped plans to spend £75m on building an entirely new leisure centre.

Mr Shipp said: "The feedback shows key factors - such as family-friendly swimming facilities, a convenient central location close to home and work, and good affordability."

The authority hopes to keep as much of the centre open as possible during the construction.

If approved, the work could be completed in early 2026.