Plans for a new extension at the Spenborough Pool and Fitness Complex to replace some services in the current Whitcliffe Mount building will soon be announced.
KAL and the Council are hoping to build the additional space covering the health & fitness provision currently available on the WMSC site.
The modular build units for studio and fitness use could be in place quickly, with the preference being for it to open before Whitcliffe Mount current provision is closed.
Councillors and officers would then look at provision as a whole – meeting the needs of present customers, KAL and individuals – to look at provision that is not included in the new centre taking into account what will be provided in the new Whitcliffe Sports Hall and what is available elsewhere.
Councillor David Sheard, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “We have discussed at Policy Committee the development of a new sports facilities strategy, currently being undertaken with the support of Sport England. We intend to take a strategic approach to facility development to ensure that any investment of very scarce resources meets strategic Council objectives and the most pressing needs of our communities.
“This looks to be a plan worth considering. The modular build extension would cater for the health & fitness opportunities that are currently in place at Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre, which equals almost 50% of current use of the site.
“We know that in the long term there would be a huge issue if there is no swimming provision in the Spen Valley. The ambition to build a new Sports Centre to include swimming at Princess Mary is an ambition shared by local people and the Council, the Council having adopted this as a priority.
“We do not want to be in a position where we don’t have facilities for current users, and we will have to work with partners to offer alternatives for activities not included in the modular build interim project, wherever possible.
“But this is in the early stages, and while I understand people have concerns about closing Whitcliffe and the impact that will have on health and activity levels, we do need to consider what we can include in a new facility at the Spenborough Pool and Fitness Complex site whilst recognising we can’t create a gap in swimming provision.”
