Aspire@The Park: New Pontefract leisure centre could open on April 12 as Wakefield Council declares building work complete

Work has now been completed on the main building at the £22m Aspire@ThePark, in Pontefract.

The venue, which was built and will be run by Wakefield Council, will feature a 10-lane swimming pool, a gym with views across Pontefract, a climbing wall with interactive games and a 20m studio pool.

The council said that finishing touches are still being applied to the leisure centre's grounds and outdoor tennis and football pitches, but confirmed the venue would be available to use as soon as legally possible.

The government has provisionally said that leisure centres, gyms and swimming pools will be allowed to reopen on April 12, although that is subject to confirmation closer to the time.

Wakefield Council leader Denise Jeffery who cut a ceremonial ribbon at the venue today said she was "delighted" that the centre was now built.

She added: "While we’re all disappointed that our residents can’t yet use the facility due to lockdown restrictions, we hope to welcome our first customers as soon as the government allow us.

"To complete the project to the highest standards, Willmott Dixon, our build partner, have had to cope with numerous site difficulties, including a flooding incident and managing a construction project through Covid restrictions.

"The site never closed and I’d like to thank Willmott Dixon and all their supply chain for the fantastic quality of the building they have delivered.

"It is a wonderful facility, offering great opportunities to enjoy fitness, leisure and relaxation to communities across our district. We can’t wait for people to see it and start enjoying it."

The venture was given planning permission in January 2019 and had been originally scheduled to open before the end of 2020.

The work was disrupted however by a serious flooding incident in October 2019 which delayed the opening by several months.

Local Democracy Reporting Service