Devon leisure centre revamp given go-ahead

A public consultation found people were in favour of unisex changing rooms

A multimillion-pound revamp of a Devon leisure centre has been given the go-ahead after some opposition over proposed unisex changing cubicles.

Councillors said the idea of new "village-style" cubicles at the Broadmeadow Leisure Centre in Teignmouth could deter women and girls from using them.

However, a public consultation found people were in favour of the new facilities, and Teignbridge District Council has given the green light for the revamp to begin.

Council leader Martin Wrigley, a Liberal Democrat, said he would like to see it done "as soon as possible" as the building "clearly needs the update".

Changing provision concerns

There will still be some single-sex changing rooms as part of the £3m revamp, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Councillor Andrew MacGregor told a recent meeting the plans "represent a step backwards for women and girls, whose right to have single-sex spaces is hard-won".

Councillor Jane Taylor added: “We are trying to encourage girls and women to become involved in sport and exercise.

"I would like some reassurance that the single-sex changing provision here is adequate.”

A meeting of the executive committee heard that, out of 345 people who responded to a survey on the facilities, 83% were in favour of the "village-style" cubicles.

Of women who responded, 89% wanted them.

Mr Wrigley said: “I look forward to seeing this done and delivered.”

The plans include a decarbonisation programme to bring it the centre in line with other public buildings in Teignbridge included in the money.

Gas-fired heating is due to be replaced by modern heat pumps.

The centre is also due to get a new frontage and reception area, studio spaces, changing facilities and a bigger gym.