Over £220,000 invested in East Devon's leisure facilities
Over £220,000 is being spent this summer on improving and upgrading two of East Devon's key leisure facilities.
Cllr Ian Thomas, Cabinet member for Economy said: "We are making a substantial investment in keeping our leisure facilities in tiptop condition whilst at the same time improving their energy efficiency and lowering running costs. Doing the work now during the summer holidays means that when autumn comes and people start looking to more indoor fitness pursuits everything will be in place.
The works are taking place during the summer holidays and will be completed by early September.
Exmouth
In Exmouth the tennis and fitness centre is receiving a £180,000 revamp. Over £80,000 is being spent on replacing the surface of the tennis courts and a further £35,000 plus will see the lighting replaced with modern high power lower energy lighting.
The translucent roof panels above the indoor courts will be replaced at the same time at a cost of over £48,000 to bring in far more natural light as the old panels had aged and become more opaque. This will help reduce the need for artificial lighting again helping cut costs.
External doors and windows are also being replaced with double glazed versions to improve the energy efficiency of the building and make it easier to maintain.
The centre has tried to keep two courts available for use while works take place on the other courts but this week and next, all four courts will be closed whilst the main playing surface is replaced. Keen tennis players will however be able to keep playing by using the acrylic courts and the outdoor courts at Phear Park which can be booked through the tennis and fitness centre or at the Phear Park Cafe.
The tennis and fitness centre receives over 100,000 visits each year. It is used by many local clubs as well as Exmouth Community College and by the Devon County teams as well as by many youngsters receiving coaching so the new re-carpeted courts will make a significant difference to both recreational and competitive players.
Sidmouth
The leisure centre in Sidmouth has also had a £40,000 plus refit with new lighting for the sports hall and squash courts. This will be brighter and more energy efficient thanks to improvements in modern lighting technology.
Energy efficiency overall has also been improved with the replacement of the external and doors and windows with modern double glazed PVC versions and the floor of the sports hall have been sanded, sealed and relined. Meanwhile the squash courts have had a makeover with the floor sanded, sealed and relined and the walls painted and relined as well.
Mike Hooper, Head of Business Development for facility operators LED Leisure Management Ltd commented: “LED is extremely pleased that East Devon District Council have taken such a positive attitude towards maintaining and improving the quality of these leisure facilities. We will continue to ensure that they are excellently managed for the enjoyment of local customers of all ages”.
More details on tennis court availability can be found at http://www.ledleisure.co.uk/tennis-a-parks/exmouth-tennis-and-fitness-centre
