Work to update leisure centre gets final go-ahead

The new Goole Hub will include a library as well as leisure facilities

Improvement work on Goole's leisure centre will begin soon after the project received a final sign-off following delays.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's cabinet has given its approval for the construction contract to be concluded, with Willmott Dixon selected as the preferred contractor.

Work is set to start on The Goole Hub in October and is due to be finished by the summer of 2026.

Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure, and tourism, said he was "excited to announce the awarding of the contract" to build a "brilliant new leisure facility for Goole and our surrounding communities".

He added: "This project reflects East Riding of Yorkshire Council's commitment to invest in Goole and to fostering a vibrant, active and healthy community.

"I look forward to seeing the renewed Goole Hub, and all the fantastic facilities it will provide."

Project delays

The hub was originally scheduled to open in summer 2025, having closed in December 2023.

In June, the council said the delay was unavoidable because of "unforeseen structural, mechanical and electrical complications discovered during intensive investigations following the building's closure".

The project includes relocating the town's library and customer service facilities into the building to create the hub.

Goole's leisure centre was built in 1988

The project is expected to cost about £12m in total, with £3.4m coming from the £25m Goole Town Deal regeneration fund.

While the facility is closed, the council will continue to offer gym facilities, group exercise classes and health programmes at the Goole College site on Boothferry Road.

Phil Jones, chair of the Goole Town Deal Board, said it allocated a share of the £25m towards the development "because we see it as an important anchor destination within the town centre" that will help to "increase footfall and boost the local economy".

He added: "This exciting project will transform the venue into a truly modern community hub with a vastly enhanced leisure offer for local people of all ages."

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