Leeds leisure centre to be turned into community hub as part of £1.2m revamp

Aireborough Leisure Centre in Guiseley, near Leeds, is in line for a £1.2m redevelopment as part of plans to transform it into a community hub.

Improvements at the ageing centre – which dates back to the 1960s – will see the swimming pool, changing rooms and the spectator seating being renovated.

The centre will also incorporate a number of non-leisure services – such as the Guiseley Library, which will be relocated to the centre – as part of a strategy to centralise the region’s public services. The building currently housing the library will be sold and a share of the income will be used to fund the improvements at Aireborough.

The wide-ranging proposals were approved by the executive board of Leeds City Council – which owns the centre – this week and are part of plans to concentrate the council's services to fewer locations.

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, said: “The development of the Community Hub programme offers a completely new way of working, as it places integrated, accessible services where they are most needed: at the heart of local communities.

“Our plans will see the creation of a Community Hub, offering help, advice and information on issues such as housing, council tax and access to job shops in one new home at Aireborough Leisure Centre.”

Work on the improvements are expected to begin in March.