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.
Historic Great Northern Railway Observation Saloon to enter service at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Skipton's Sam Ashby evicted from Big Brother house just 10 days before final
Community and veterans honour Canadian aircrew at 80th anniversary service
Warnings after confirmation of bird flu in North Yorkshire
Skipton teenager impresses in first F2 stock car season
Plans announced to lift 30mph speed limit at busy Skipton roundabout
Venue in Skipton wins Deliciously Yorkshire award
ELO to Abba, Steeton Male Voice Choir together with Otley Brass Band
Airedale rebuild takes first step with multi-storey car park plans
Details of Skipton Remembrance parade revealed
Skipton boys take home prize after winning Monster trail
Pub sees increase in business after introducing 'Tax-free Monday'
Addingham invites traders for festive Christmas market
Brass band from Skipton appear in Channel 5 drama series finale
Ermysted's and Skipton Girls' High to hold joint Sixth Form Open Evening
New Love Brownies branch to open in Skipton this weekend
Airedale Hospital launch annual Christmas card competition
Council warns man of £38 charge per flag if he puts up any more
PureGym opens Its doors in Skipton Town Centre
Hospital create pumpkin patch thanks to kind donations
