Ashfield District Council’s cabinet approved the land behind the current Festival Hall site as the preferred location for the development at a meeting on 21st January. The state-of-the-art provision will see the introduction of long awaited water space to Kirkby in the form of a leisure pool and a 25-metre swimming pool, as well as an indoor adventure climbing wall and cinema screen in the multi-purpose sports hall. The artist’s impressions, developed by GT3 Architects, depict the proposed design for the destination’s swimming pool, fitness suite and café. The outline plans will be developed over the next few months and further images will be made available as the project is progressed.

The facility mix approved includes:

• Water Space (25m pool with flexible floor and separate leisure water pool)

• Sports Hall (size of four badminton courts – the same floor space as the current Festival Hall)

• Health and Fitness suite with full gym

• Two multi activity studios

• Group Cycling studio

• Well-being toning and Rehabilitation suite

• Indoor adventure climbing wall

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Tom Hollis said: “The new drawings are amazing and is another step closer to the new leisure destination Kirkby deserves. Residents have waited decades for this and it is clear residents value their Council making such a dramatic investment in our future. These are exciting times for Kirkby and we are remembering our past too with the Nag’s Head Clock going back up!”

The drawings that have been produced by the architects showcase our ambition for a state-of-the-art space that will provide Kirkby with the high quality leisure provision it so desperately needs. It’s exciting to see our vision come to life.” “The facility mix that has now been approved provides something for everyone. There are activities for the very young to older people. By bringing such excellent facilities to Kirkby, the new leisure centre will be a destination for residents to be proud of.” The Council recently met with a community focus group set up to help shape the project. Andy Hall, member of the group said:

“I think a new leisure centre will transform the local area and people’s lives. It is fantastic that Kirkby will be having both a lane swimming pool and a leisure pool, it will provide something for everybody of all abilities.” The approval will see the new leisure centre built behind the existing site, ensuring that the Festival Hall remains open to its customers throughout the build programme. It is anticipated that the new centre will be opened in 2021.