Big renovation plans approved for Northcroft Leisure Centre in Newbury

Big changes are in store for Northcroft Leisure Centre with it aiming to become “fit for the 2020s and beyond”.

Plans have been approved for the Newbury fitness hub to demolish the gym and first floor conservatory above the complex’s current entrance and replace it with a new double storey extension.

The extension — which will be located between Northcroft’s existing sports hall and lido — will contain a brand new reception area and café along with two party meeting rooms and three new studios.

The leisure centre’s fitness suite, soft play area, dry changing rooms, along with several other areas, will also be improved and refurbished as part of the project, which was approved by West Berkshire Council on June 11.

The plans state: “Sport and leisure trends have changed considerably over the years and this project aims to provide further improvements to the centre with modifications to enhance the range of facilities on offer to meet current and future needs, whilst also addressing the additional capacity requirement.

“The current centre was designed to accommodate traditional activities that utilised facilities mainly based around a sports hall and swimming facilities.

“The proposal retains these core facilities, whilst extending the building to form new spaces that are purpose built for new and alternative activities.”

A key objective of the project is to upgrade the current fitness suite.

It will be contained within a newly constructed, larger space that can accommodate modern gym equipment.

Northcroft also wants to improve its accessibility as part of the new project, with the plans stating: “The remodelling will provide access to everyone irrespective of their physical ability and will have facilities that engage with all ages groups within the community.

“The new facilities will cater for all genders and ethnic backgrounds in a much more user friendly and modern environment.”

Northcroft hopes that these new plans will increase participation in sport and leisure at the centre, as well as boosting the health and wellbeing of current and future leisure centre members and customers.