Improvements to council leisure centres start soon

This artists impression shows what an improved fitness suite in Devizes will look like

Improvement work is due to start soon on leisure centres in Wiltshire, the council says.

Wiltshire Council has confirmed it will update the fitness facilities in Devizes and redecorate the centre in Royal Wootton Bassett.

There are also plans for changes at the leisure centres in Marlborough and Warminster, both involving their fitness suites.

Funding is coming from the council's capital funding and is separate from plans for a new facility in Trowbridge.

Lime Kiln Leisure Centre in Royal Wootton Bassett will have it's front entrance improved

Improvements at Lime Kiln Leisure Centre in Royal Wootton Bassett have begun, including redecoration to the front entrance area and downstairs studio.

A temporary entrance is in use and the ground floor studio and squash courts will be out of action for this first phase of the works, which should be complete by early May.

There will also be a refresh of the swimming pool section, including refurbishing the changing rooms and is expected to be finished by early July.

Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for leisure at Wiltshire Council, said the council had listened to public feedback and wanted to "motivate people in Wiltshire to keep physically, socially and mentally active".

“Whilst these works may cause some initial disruption to users, we hope that the finished result will be a much nicer environment for our members and visitors,” he added.

The plan for Devizes includes improvements to the weights room

Work in Devizes is due to begin towards the end of May and includes a full replacement of fitness equipment and flooring in the main gym and weights room, the addition of a consultation room and other fixtures to modernise the fitness suite.

There will also be refurbishment of the upstairs studio, with all the work at the centre expected to be complete by autumn 2024.

During interim arrangements, the council will offer membership discounts and has already announced improvements and an extension to the fitness suite at Marlborough.

At Warminster Leisure Centre, relocating and improving the fitness suite will mean a permanent removal of the squash courts - the council said there were facilities close by at Leighton Recreation Centre.