THE new Wokingham Leisure Centre is set to open later this month.
On Monday, July 25, the multi-million pound Carnival Hub will welcome the public for the first time.
The site brings together a large leisure centre and a new home for Wokingham library, along with flexible cultural use of the space.
The new flagship community building is part of the final phase of the council’s regeneration project in Wokingham town centre.
Cllr Ian Shenton, newly appointed executive member for environment, sport and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “The Carnival Hub is a fantastic community facility and I am sure many of you, like me, cannot wait for the leisure facilities to open this month.
“The impressive, state of the art leisure centre will help residents improve their health and wellbeing.”
The new Wokingham Leisure Centre includes swimming pools, children’s splash pad, a health suite, 120 station fitness suite, fitness studios including group cycling studio, a café and a dual-purpose hall for sports or 400 seat-cultural performances.
There will also be a specialist gym for those with long term health conditions.
It has taken just over 18 months for the main construction work to be completed, which started at the start of the pandemic.
More than 700 construction workers have been involved in the project.
Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council, said: “For most of the construction period we have been in the midst of the pandemic which has created some challenges which had to be overcome.
“Everyone involved from our contractors to council officers and our leisure partners should be proud of the achievement, especially as the leisure centre is opening ahead of the original schedule.”
Earlier this month, council’s construction contractors Pellikaan handed over the building) and the council’s leisure partner Places Leisure has begun fitting-out the interiors and installing equipment.
Tony Penge, contract manager at Places Leisure Wokingham, said: “We are really excited to be opening the new Wokingham Leisure Centre on 25 July.
“We are looking forward to welcoming both new and existing customers through the doors of this fantastic facility.”
Ahead of the official opening, Places Leisure is offering residents the chance to take a sneak preview.
Places must be booked in advance.
For more information, visit: placesleisure.org
