Alex Cann

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Tom Petty

I Won't Back Down

Listen Live Podcasts

Funding agreed to progress work on Skipton leisure hub redevelopments

Monday, 10 August 2026 08:42

By Joe Willis, Local Democracy Reporter

Skipton Leisure and Wellbeing Hub. (Photo: NYC)

North Yorkshire Council has approved the release of £360,000 to progress plans redevelop two leisure centres.

The funding will allow work to continue on improvement plans for leisure and wellbeing hubs in Skipton and Selby, following an earlier decision to back investment in four facilities across the county.

The decision authorises the drawdown of £360,000 from the council’s strategic capacity reserve to fund the next phase of design work.

The money will enable the Skipton and Selby schemes to progress to the next design stages, while also covering associated surveys and technical design work.

The investment follows an executive decision in November last year, when councillors gave approval in principle for £36m to be invested in four projects.

The programme includes the redevelopment of the Skipton and Selby leisure and wellbeing hubs, and Whitby Leisure Centre and Ryedale Swim and Fitness in Pickering.

At the time, councillors also approved the development of detailed business cases and further design work for the schemes.

Council officers said the latest funding allocation was needed to ensure work could continue in line with the agreed leisure investment strategy.

In a decision report, officers said: “In order to progress Skipton and Selby sites to RIBA design stages 2/3 and fund associated surveys and design works in line with the decision to progress with the Leisure Investment Strategy a draw down of funding of £360,000 is now required.”

The proposed redevelopments includes improved gym facilities, additional studio space and an overhaul of swimming pools along with better changing rooms at the four sites.

There would also be more accessible pool access including Changing Places facilities for people with additional needs, and improved reception areas and public spaces.

A further £3m in funding will be invested in upgrades to gym and fitness equipment across other 12 leisure sites overseen by the council.

More from Local news

Fresh calls for school transport changes to be abandoned amid claim council is ignoring own policy

North Yorkshire Council is facing fresh calls to abandon its controversial new home-to-school policy after it emerged that the authority was not following its own rules on how to assess eligibility.
Community rallies to help elderly driver find 'missing' car in Skipton

The Skipton community has been thanked for rallying together to help an elderly driver find his car after he forgot where he had parked it.
Dales Dazzler trail running event returns to Skipton

Runners are set to take on some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most scenic trails when the Punk Panther Dales Dazzler returns to Skipton later this month.
Everything you need to know about Skipton Pride this weekend

Skipton Pride returns tomorrow (Saturday 8th August) for a day of live music, drag performances and family-friendly entertainment.
Police appeal after driver forgets where car was parked in Skipton

A police appeal has been launched after the owner of a car forgot where it was parked in Skipton.
Shoplifter caught trying to dump stolen goods in Skipton bin

A man has been remanded in custody after allegedly trying to dispose of stolen goods in a rubbish bin while being watched by police in Skipton.
Councillor breaks national fundraising record with charity head shave

A North Yorkshire councillor has broken national records by raising more than £17,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support after having head and beard shaved.
Festival director facing court after cancelled Skipton event

The director of a food and drink festival which was cancelled just weeks before it was due to take place in Skipton is facing court proceedings.
Yorkshire marketing business raises £1,000 for Skipton children's charity

A Yorkshire marketing consultancy has raised more than £1,000 for Skipton-based The Principle Trust Children's Charity through a series of networking and co-working events supporting both local businesses and a local cause.
Team to push car 130 miles in extraordinary charity challenge inspired by young boy's courage

A Yorkshire family is preparing to push a car 130 miles from Sheffield to Silverstone in an incredible fundraising challenge inspired by the remarkable courage of 12-year-old Luke Mortimer.
Only one more day left to enjoy Skipton Cinema Days this summer

There's just one day left for film fans to enjoy Skipton's free outdoor cinema this summer
Hundreds gather in Skipton for another successful Yorkshire Day event

Crowds gathered in their hundreds in Skipton over the weekend for another successful Yorkshire Day celebration.
Safety reminder after rubbish found in Skipton knife bin

Police are reminding residents to use Skipton's knife surrender bin correctly after rubbish left inside created a potential safety risk.
Skipton bakery retains North Yorkshire's best bakery title for second year

A family-run bakery in Skipton has been crowned the best in North Yorkshire for the second year running.
MP raises Cowling speeding concerns with police and council after residents' complaints

Concerns over speeding and road safety in Cowling have been raised with North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Council by Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith following reports from local residents.
Right at Home celebrates official opening of new office

The award-winning homecare provider supporting people across Ilkley, Skipton, Keighley and the surrounding area has officially opened its new office.
Wanted man found hiding in wardrobe during Skipton arrest

A man wanted by North Yorkshire Police has been arrested in Skipton after officers discovered him hiding inside a wardrobe.
Addingham Beer Festival returns this October

One of the Wharfedale area's biggest annual events is set to return this autumn.
Nominations open for Local Pub Awards 2026 for Skipton and Ripon

Residents across Skipton and the surrounding area are being invited to nominate their favourite local pubs and hospitality staff as nominations open for the 2026 Local Pub Awards.
Campaigners hand in petition over doubling of second homes council tax

Campaigners opposed to North Yorkshire Council’s double council tax charge on second homes have handed in a petition signed by 1,000 people calling for the premium to be suspended.