Northcroft Leisure Centre to lose squash courts for soft pay area

The squash courts at Newbury’s Northcroft Leisure Centre will disappear – and be turned into a soft play area and studio space.

Despite efforts to save the courts, objectors were told that replacing the internal squash courts with sports studios would be classed as an internal operation, which would not require planning permission.

The application for consideration was purely for external works to the building.

There will be a new single story entrance area canopy which means the courts have to go.

The application was made by West Berkshire Council, and went through despite objections.

Newbury Town Council said there was strong concern about loss of affordable squash facilities, and turning it into studios and a soft play area would be a real loss to residents.

”We do need to consider the loss of sports provision," said town councillor David Harman (Lib Dem, East Fields).

"There used to be four courts, which went down to two, and soon there will be none. We are trying to promote active living here. Are there opportunities elsewhere to provide this facility?”

Squash players Nick Steel and Tim Westerman told the meeting of the western area planning committee their objection is not against the redevelopment of the leisure centre.

“My objection is around the eradication of the squash facility,” said Mr Steel.

“West Berkshire Council needs to consider that this will become an Olympic sport and will therefore see an uptick in interest in this sport.

“We need to preserve the facility and soft play areas are not a unique selling point for a sports centre.”

Mr Westerman argued that players have lost courts all over the district.

“This breaches national framework for the provision of sports facilities," he said. "Courts were refurbished four years ago… so I question why Everyone Active wants to remove the courts.”

The decision to revamp the front of the leisure centre was approved.