By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
The planned revamp of Cotgrave leisure centre and youth club has been given the green light – and local leaders say it will bring “huge benefits” for the community.
Rushcliffe Borough Council first announced the refurbishing of Cotgrave Leisure Centre, in Woodview, in December.
The youth club will also receive its own entrance lobby alongside new toilets and office space.
Other improvements include the widening of corridors, an improved spin studio, a larger dance studio with better lighting and sound systems and an improved layout to the poolside changing rooms.
Councillors approved the plans during a Planning Committee meeting on Thursday evening (April 11).
Cllr Hetvi Parekh (Con), who represents Edwalton, said: “The proposals submitted are very thorough.
“It accords with the principles of sustainable development with huge benefits to the community in Cotgrave, including youth.”
The council announced it would be investing £1.2m into the facility, having received funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
Towards the end of March the council was given an extra £250,000 for the installation of solar panels, alongside a £50,000 grant from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to provide a new Changing Places toilet at the leisure centre.
Work on the toilets is already under way and they are expected to open in April.
Under the recently-approved plans, an air-source heat pump to replace the old boilers and “outdated” heating and hot water systems will be installed, and will work by drawing heat from the air to transfer it to the swimming pool.
Electric vehicle chargers will also be installed alongside a dedicated cycle shed.
Cllr Sue Mallender (Green), who represents Lady Bay, added: “It has a more sustainable, quieter heating system, there is better provision for young people and for cyclists and therefore active travel.
“There have been no objections and it is only here because it is a borough council application.”
Cllr Rob Inglis (Con), the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety, said the separate entrance to the youth club would help reduce anti-social behaviour, which has been reported in the past.
In total the council will be investing £4.1m in refurbishments and energy efficient upgrades over the next three years at both Cotgrave Leisure Centre and Keyworth Leisure Centre.
