Squash could be squeezed out if Northcroft Leisure Centre in Newbury gets makeover approval

One of Newbury’s leisure centres could be given a new look if councillors approve plans for a makeover – but it could mean squash is squeezed out.

Under the plans, Northcroft Leisure Centre will be given a new entrance lobby and canopy, with new door and window openings, plus a new roof top plant room.

The squash courts would be replaced by studio space, and planning documents note that this does not require planning permission.

West Berkshire Council officers are recommending that councillors approve the plans when they meet to discuss them today (Wednesday).

While there were no objections from local authority bodies, or Sport England, there were 12 members of the public who raised concerns of the removal of squash courts.

They warned that if the plan is approved, there will be no affordable alternative facilities for the sport in the area, which in turn would deny people the chance to discover the sport.

Other objections included a lack of consultation or justification for the decision, and the plans prioritise a café and a soft play area over sport.

Planning officers note that a noise impact assessment is needed to ensure the proposed plant room wouldn’t disturb those living in neighbouring homes, and if there is the potential any mitigation measures should be carried out.

Councillors will debate the proposal at a meeting of West Berkshire Council’s planning committee which starts at 6.30pm today (Wednesday).

The meeting will be webcast live on its YouTube channel.

The site was originally a 19th-century swimming baths, which were then converted into a lido in 1937, and then a leisure centre in the late 1970s. It was extended in 1987, refurbished in 1993, and the lido refurbished in 2022.

A new flume and multi-water slide were approved last year.