Marlborough Leisure Centre improvements and closures revealed

Residents in Marlborough told the Gazette and Herald in September last year that they regularly travelled to the refurbished Pewsey leisure centre instead of using their local one.

But now, Wiltshire Council has confirmed that improvements to Marlborough Leisure Centre will begin later this year, along with the closure of some existing facilities.

These improvements will include a refurbishment and extension of the fitness suite, new equipment, improved ventilation and air conditioning, and the creation of a consultation room.

On top of this, there will be a total refurbishment of wet change, the addition of family and group changing cubicles, and a Changing Places facility to help those with complex needs.

Marlborough locals have previously turned away from the leisure centre that staff said was 'long overdue a makeover'. (Image: Newsquest)

“I’m delighted to confirm yet more improvements to a Wiltshire Council leisure centre," said Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Leisure.

"The wet change improvements will provide more accessibility and much better facilities for those who use them, including local schools.

"Creating a Changes Places facility will also ensure people with mobility issues and more complex needs can access the services and help support them to get out and about.  

“The improvements we are bringing forward are well thought out, using all the information we have at our disposal, and will increase the overall fitness opportunities available, benefiting the health and wellbeing of more people.”  

These changes will however result in the permanent removal of the squash courts, one of which was already being used for soft play, as well as the permanent closure of the health suite.

Although the improvements at Marlborough Leisure Centre are welcomed by locals, this does also come with some losses. (Image: Newsquest)

"Permanently closing the facilities at Marlborough will allow the council to incorporate the space into the wet change and create a much bigger changing area, ensuring the council can meet the health needs of more of the local community," said a spokesperson for Wiltshire Council.

The council will also be upgrading the soft play equipment, but it will no longer be permanently available and instead will function as a 'drop in and visit' at specific council-run soft play sessions.

 Construction work at Marlborough Leisure Centre is expected to get underway later this year and Wiltshire Council says it will confirm specific timescales as soon as it’s able to.