One year on: Rushcliffe Arena rebuilt after arson attack welcomes 500,000th visitor

Video: Rushcliffe Arena welcomed its 500,000th visitor a year on from its rebuild

A year on from Rushcliffe Arena reopening its doors after a fire destroyed it in 2015, the centre has welcomed its 500,000th visitor through its doors.

A teenager, 17-years-old at the time of the incident on September 13 2015, burnt down the centre and was found guilty of arson causing £285,500 in damage – he was given 24 months detention.

The new centre was then designed to bring all indoor sport in West Bridgford under one roof and is also home to Rushcliffe Borough Council.

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Rushcliffe Arena opened one year ago

Leader of the council Conservative Councillor Simon Robinson said: “From a staff point of view it’s really helped in terms of efficiency and productivity and from a leisure point of view we’re way over targets in terms of visits.

“Our operator, the user and the public in general have accepted this very well.”

Because of the centre’s success, Nottinghamshire County Council have plans to improve services in Bingham.

Cllr Robinson said: “Every Borough Council within the County Council has their own agenda and all I can talk for is Rushcliffe but we’re proud for not just this facility but all facilities across the county.

“Hopefully, very soon, Bingham will be upgraded bringing that up-to-date and that visitors are attracted there and to support our agenda of wellbeing.”