Ripon Leisure Centre

We have strengthened our track-record as a leading provider of leisure, fitness and wellbeing accommodation, with a £10.2m contact from Harrogate Borough Council to extend an existing leisure centre.

The project will see the company expand Ripon’s leisure centre by building a new 25m pool and associated changing and community areas. Willmott Dixon will also add a new main entrance and lobby to the current centre as well as upgrade the dry leisure facilities with new changing rooms and health suite, two dance studios, a ‘spin’ studio and a meeting room.

The car park has been relocated and will be complemented with a sheltered cycle rack, electric car charging points and a new £100,000 play area will complete the transformation.

Procured via the Scape framework, the new six-lane pool will provide a 70 per cent increase in water recreation space in Ripon compared to the existing pool facility at nearby Ripon Spa Baths, which is nearing the end of its lifespan and will close when the new pool is open.

Councillor Stanley Lumley, cabinet member for sport, said:

“This represents a significant investment and will provide the people of Ripon with state-of-the-art swimming facilities. Combined with the refurbishment of the leisure centre, we are transforming the sport and leisure offer in this part of the district.”

Willmott Dixon has delivered over £300m of dry and wet leisure facilities over the past three years, and recently produced a report into the growing sector called Creating a leisure legacy. Other current leisure projects include Harpenden Leisure and Cultural Centre, Five Towns Leisure and Wellbeing Hub in Pontefract, Ingleby Barwick Leisure Centre and Tameside Wellness Centre.

Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive commented:

“Harrogate Borough Council are investing in the health and well-being of its community by ensuring their sports and leisure facilities are not only current but fit for the future. By utilising the speed and efficient procurement route Scape Group provides and the proven track record of Willmott Dixon in delivering leisure facilities, Harrogate Borough Council are guaranteeing the Ripon pool and leisure facility upgrade will be delivered with certainty and socio-economic benefits.”