Staff, customers and trustees at Cornwall’s only charitable run leisure facility are celebrating after work began on a £580k improvement scheme.
The work at Carn Brea Leisure Centre, which will see facilities upgraded and the addition of new eco-friendly technology, has been funded by a grant from Cornwall Council along with a £100k contribution from the Charitable Trust.
Once the work has been completed in January, users will benefit from a new ‘village’ style changing area, a reduction in chlorine levels in the swimming pool and a replacement floor in the sports hall.
Centre manager, Alex Clifton, said: “We’re all very excited about the work that is taking place.
“As a charity run leisure facility we’ve got a fantastic reputation amongst our users and we feel it is right that these improvement be made to take the centre up to the next level.
“Work is off to a fast start and our new boilers are already up and running, and while there will be some minor disruptions over the next few weeks, our staff are on hand to help people make sure they enjoy the same high quality experience.
“What’s also exciting is that the work will be completed in time for us to celebrate our tenth anniversary since the centre reopened as a charitable trust.”
As well as boosting facilities for customers, the improvements will see Carn Brea become more energy efficient and reduce their sizeable utility costs.
The installation of new boilers, air handling system, a thermal wheel and a replacement building management system, will see the centre’s impact on the environment reduced.
Jeff Marston, chairman of the board of trustees, said: “As a charitable trust we are always looking at opportunities for developing the centre for the benefit of the local community.”
“The grant from Cornwall Council has been a massive boost and will allow us to carry out a number of projects to improve the facility for our users, as well as helping with the ongoing running of the centre.
“Moving forward, the Trust is committed to ensuring the Centre operates as efficiently and environmentally friendly as possible in order to sustain us through to a replacement Centre.”
Kim Willoughby, Cornwall Councillor for Carn Brea South, said: “The leisure centre is a focal part of the local community and improvements in its appearance and efficiency will have a really positive impact on the people who use the centre. I’m glad Cornwall Council is able to support the continuing development of the centre.”
Users are advised that with work underway the reception area has been moved to the gym entrance while the foyer roof is replaced.
