Wiltshire leisure centres to receive major improvements

The users of Marlborough, Devizes and Warminster's leisure centres have been pushing for change for several months after describing their centres as 'run down' and 'in need of some TLC'.

Now, Wiltshire Council has confirmed that plans are being made for major improvements and capital funding has already been earmarked for the upgrades.

Devizes Leisure Centre is set to receive a full replacement of the fitness equipment and flooring in the main gym, as well as a full refurbishment of the activity room to make way for a fitness space.

Plans for Marlborough Leisure Centre include an extension and improvement of the fitness suite and improvements to the wet change area.

In Warminster, the leisure centre will receive refurbished studios, a new consultation room and a refurbished and relocated fitness suite which can be converted into a flexible space for classes, meetings, events and parties.

“We are investing to improve and enhance the opportunities we provide and improving access, as we recognise the vital role these services fulfil," said Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling.

"In the last two years alone, we’ve brought all leisure centres under our management, opened the hugely popular Melksham Community Campus, and are making good progress on delivering a new leisure centre for our county town. 

“In today’s financial climate, it’s now more important than ever that we spend our money wisely. to provide a better user experience and improve people’s health."

Residents have been hoping for improvements to their leisure centres for a long time. (Image: Newsquest)

The announcement comes after months of complaints from leisure centre staff and users about the state of facilities.

In September 2023, it was revealed that residents of Marlborough were travelling to Pewsey Leisure Centre because of the declining condition of their own leisure centre.

“It’s surprising how many Marlborough customers come here and say that they didn’t even know we existed before,” said staff member Sue Elmer, who has worked at the leisure centre for almost 30 years.

“The whole thing needs a bit of an uplift, and we've been keeping our fingers crossed for an investment."

Some Marlborough residents were travelling to Pewsey just to use a leisure centre. (Image: Newsquest)

Despite the good news that new facilities and improved spaces are on the way, Wiltshire Council has also confirmed that the Warminster squash courts will be permanently removed from the leisure centre.

"For there to be room for the improvements at Warminster the decision has been made to permanently remove the squash courts from the centre," said a spokesperson for the council.

"There are squash facilities available to use a short distance away at Leighton Recreation Centre that people will be welcome to use when the changes are made."