Plans for a £40 million investment to support healthier and more active communities across North Yorkshire are set to be discussed next week, with Skipton among the locations included in the proposals.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive will meet on Tuesday (November 4) to consider a leisure investment strategy aimed at transforming facilities across the county.
The proposals follow the launch of the council’s Active North Yorkshire service last year, which focuses on encouraging residents of all ages to get active and stay active.
Part of the investment would be directed towards improving the leisure centre in Skipton, alongside sites in Selby, Pickering and Whitby.
Enhancements would include upgraded gym facilities, additional studio space, refurbished swimming pools and changing rooms, and more accessible features such as Changing Places facilities. Reception areas and public spaces are also expected to benefit from the proposed upgrade work.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture, arts and housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said:
“The proposed investment is set to represent a real watershed moment for us.
“It shows the commitment we have to making sure that everyone in North Yorkshire has the best opportunities possible to stay active or take up exercise to help to promote both physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“There has been a great deal of work on these proposals to make sure that we can provide our leisure services as effectively as possible through the new Active North Yorkshire banner. We will consider the plans carefully when they are presented to members of the council’s executive next week.”
Alongside the £36 million earmarked for the four major sites, a further £3 million is recommended for upgrading gym and fitness equipment at 12 other leisure venues run by the council. Work at a Richmond site has already been approved to ensure both pools can re-open next year after being closed since a partial ceiling collapse in April.
If approved, the investment strategy would aim to ensure facilities are financially sustainable while offering more opportunities for physical activity within local communities, including those in and around Skipton.
More information about Active North Yorkshire can be found at www.northyorks.gov.uk/active.
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