As Blantyre comes to terms with potential closures of its library, several community halls and a Sports Centre increasingly unfit for purpose, the next phases of developing the new Larkhall Leisure Centre has been announced.
A consultant will be appointed soon, with the design and tender scheduled to take place from spring 2024 to spring 2025. Construction is expected to commence in summer 2025, with an indicative opening date of summer 2027.
The council previously identified £11.9 million of funding for the centre but costs have soared, indeed doubled to £24m with £12m likely to be needed to complete the project. It was agreed earlier this year that the £12m shortfall will be split over the next three years.
The new Larkhall centre will be built on the grassed area adjacent to the school car park, allowing the current leisure centre to remain open when construction of the new one takes place.
Initial consultation on the new centre, carried out in March 2022, will help shape the design of the new facility and the council will continue to engage with the Larkhall community.
Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “The current Larkhall Leisure Centre has held a special place in the heart of the Larkhall community for decades. The new facility will be a brand-new state-of the-art leisure centre which the community can be proud of, and which is fit for generations to come.”
Great news if you’re in Larkhall, we’re sure, but despite promises Blantyre will be next, for now once again, we seem to have been overlooked.
