Leeds: Plans for new fitness and wellbeing hub in Gipton approved

An ageing leisure centre will be replaced by a state-of-the art fitness and wellbeing hub after local authority plans were approved.

The proposals for upgrading Fearnville Leisure Centre in Gipton, Leeds, include an all-weather sports pitch, tennis courts and skate park.

Leeds City Council said the existing centre, which opened in 1980, was in need of modernisation.

It will be demolished when the new facilities are up and running at the site on Oakwood Lane.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the new centre will feature a 25-metre swimming pool and a 200-station gym area, split over two floors.

It is hoped the development will help boost physical activity levels in east Leeds, which has high obesity rates.

A planning report said the scheme would “provide social, physical and mental health benefits” and create jobs during its construction and operational phases.

The plans were drawn up by the council, Active Leeds and the Football Foundation.

A document associated with the application said: “The aim is to offer a proposal that suits the needs of the local community for the present and future generations to come.

“Fearnville will be a significant community asset and provide much needed facilities and open space for the locality.”

The new centre was also designed to boost wildlife habitats and provide adventure playground space for children.

The document said: “Areas of wildflower meadow and tree planting will help to support current wildlife populations and encourage new ones.”

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