The topping out ceremony for Stone’s new multi-million-pound leisure centre took place yesterday.
Stone Leisure Centre is currently being constructed next to the eye-sore blue gym complex on Westbridge Park with an expected opening set for spring 2019.
‘Topping out’ traditionally refers to the installation of the final piece of the roof on a building and yesterday the Leader of Stafford Borough Council, Patrick Farrington, marked the occasion by laying the last shovel of ballast on the roof of the centre.
The new leisure centre will bring together a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, gym and fitness studios, all under one roof. The development is part of an almost £10 million leisure investment for the town and replaces the outdated sports centre currently on the site.
A masterplan for recreational and leisure facilities for the park was recently revealed following consultation with residents, schools, businesses and organisations in the area.
Councillor Farrington said:
“It is great to be able to see the progress of the work and to know that we are on track to open next spring.
“This is part of a significant investment in the future of Stone and I am proud that we are reversing a national trend that has seen local authority leisure centres and swimming pools being closed, or under threat of closure, to save money.
“By next spring we will have delivered a brand new leisure centre that people want, with the facilities under one roof, without burdening local tax payers.”
The swimming pool at Alleyne’s Academy in Stone is currently used by the school under a shared agreement with the local authority. It is only available to the public outside school hours. Sports facilities at the ‘Academy’ will still be part of the community leisure offer.
For more details on the masterplan for Westbridge Park go to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/westbridgeparkconsultation.
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