01/08/2023: Multi-million-pound upgrade to Attleborough leisure centre given the green light

Attleborough Leisure Centre is set to benefit from a multi-million-pound investment after plans were approved by Breckland Council's Planning Committee today (1 August).

The green light means the project can now go ahead and will see around £2.6m invested in expanding and upgrading the existing facility. This includes creating a new spin studio, building a new community room for yoga sessions, fitness classes and other activities, upgrading the changing rooms and reception areas, and building a new gym space.

It is expected that around £1.7m of the total cost will be contributed by developers who are building houses on the outskirts of the town, with the remaining funding provided by Breckland Council and a contribution from the Town Council.

The leisure centre, on Queen's Square in the heart of the town, is connected to the Attleborough Academy, will be getting a new open entrance area and, as part of a new dual-use agreement, would be available for use by the public and Academy students, with the new gym and spin studio being made available to the public all day and evening times all week. The upgrade project is being led by Breckland Council, The Sapientia Trust & the Attleborough Academy, with support from local councillors, Attleborough Town Council & Norfolk County Council.

Cllr Tristan Ashby, Breckland Council's Executive Member for Health & Communities, said: "This major investment will put new and improved leisure services right on the high street for residents in and around Attleborough, as well as benefiting the next generation through the school's use of the facilities. I'm delighted we now have approval to go ahead, and I look forward to seeing our plans become reality over the next year or so."

Having received formal approval to proceed with the project, Breckland Council will now look to appoint contractors, with work expected to start in 2024 and be complete in 2025.

It is hoped that there may be a further improvement to the site in the near future, as Breckland Council is also currently working on plans to install a new 3G artificial football pitch next to the leisure centre. The council is currently developing these proposals and seeking funding, with a view to submitting a planning application in due course.

Neil McShane, Executive Principal at Attleborough Academy, added: "Approval for the improvement works to go ahead is great news for the Academy and for the community. We have had a shared-use agreement for the Sports Hall in place for many years but have always had the aim to open up the rest of our sports and leisure facilities for community use. With the development of the 3G pitch underway too, we look forward to this being the first phase of us being able to share our sports and leisure facilities for the benefit of all."