Sharley Park Leisure Centre to close to make way for new hub

The 43-year-old leisure centre will be replaced by a new facility

A leisure centre is set to close to allow work on a new community hub to progress.

Sharley Park Leisure Centre, in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, will close its doors for the last time on 29 February.

The centre, run by North East Derbyshire District Council, will be replaced by a new community hub.

Clay Cross Active - which will feature a swimming pool, soft play area and café - is expected to open in winter 2024.

Plans to build the new hub on the site of the leisure centre, which opened in 1981, were approved in February.

Work to develop the new facility is already under way.

The new community hub will include a fitness suite, a floodlit 3G pitch and more

The leisure centre had remained partially open but it will have to close completely to allow the development to progress, the council said.

Councillor Kathy Rouse, portfolio holder for leisure, said: "Many people will have their own very special memories here.

"From those who first learned to swim at the centre, to the many more who have passed through its doors to take part in fitness classes and gym sessions.

"We are now looking forward to the future and welcoming back old and new faces when Clay Cross Active opens its doors, hopefully later in the year."

Clay Cross Active is being built as part of the £24m Clay Cross Town Deal, with £1.9m of funding also coming from Sport England.