A four-million-pound redevelopment project is well underway at Thirsk leisure centre.

Thanks to Council cash, work begun on the ambitious project on 1 February and despite the snow, ice and rain over the last two weeks the project is already off to a great start.

The contractor is now on site with demolition and breaking through work happening this week.

Once complete the centre will boast a gym three times the size of the current facility – which for the first time will be operational 24/7, a new studio for exercise classes and meetings, as well as a cycling studio. 

Outdated plant equipment that forced the centre’s pools to close several times over the last couple of years, will have been replaced with greener, more environmentally sustainable equipment and it will have a new roof to address much needed repairs and condensation issues experienced within the building. 

The gym changing rooms will be updated and the reception seating area will also be refurbished with new signage and wall art set to be introduced around the building.

The new structure for the gym extension should start to take shape towards the middle of March with the structure for the cycling studio going up after that.

Councillor Mark Robson, Leader of Hambleton District Council said: “I’m happy to say we are right on track with this work, despite the heavy snow and rain which has been with us through February.

“I can’t wait to see the new build starting to take shape in the early spring and look forward to the difference it will make to the people of Thirsk and those who travel to use the centre.

“It’s never been more important that we invest in our leisure facilities to support people’s health and wellbeing and I know the top-class leisure facilities this work will result in, will be welcomed warmly by all who use it.”

The work, which is being delivered in partnership with Alliance Leisure, is expected to be completed for a September opening. It is necessary to close the centre and the car park for this entire period with members able to use Bedale, Northallerton and Stokesley centres during this time.