£2m spend on two East Northamptonshire leisure centres

East Northamptonshire Council will be spending £2 million on remedial works and improvements to two leisure centres, The Nene Centre at Thrapston and The Pemberton Centre in Rushden over the next 12 months.

The improvements will result in a revamp of services at both centres, with the ultimate aim of making them more attractive to customers as part of a business plan to increase income.

Money has also been set aside to replace the roof at The Nene Centre, following a series of problems of leaking and other issues over the years. A report from roof specialists has advised complete replacement as the most cost effective option. The Council intends to recover the cost of the replacement through legal proceedings.

It is expected that The Nene Centre will need to close for work to start in September 2012 and is likely to remain closed for up to 9 months while the work takes place. The planned revamp will also take place while the Centre is closed, so when it reopens customers will see improvements in the fitness suite and other services.

The revamp work at The Pemberton Centre can be done with most of the Centre remaining open.

Customers will be notified in advance of the exact date of closure and kept informed throughout the work.

Councillor Steven North, Leader of East Northamptonshire Council, says:

"The Council apologises for the inevitable inconvenience this will cause customers but the roof work is essential to ensure the long term future of the Nene Centre."