Leisure centre upgrade plans awarded £2m grant

A £2m grant has been awarded by Sport England to support plans to redevelop a town's leisure centre.

Fenland District Council plans to transform the Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey, near Peterborough, in a £18.67m project alongside a new firm, Speller Metcalfe, after the previous contractor ceased trading.

The grant was awarded through Sport England's Place Capital Funding, which gives money to local authorities looking to deliver improvements to their sports and physical activity facilities.

"The support from Sport England not only brings vital funding to the project but also demonstrates real confidence in our plans," said Councillor Steve Count.

Count said the grant was "a huge milestone for the redevelopment" and would help deliver "a centre that meets the needs of Whittlesey's growing population for decades to come".

The redevelopment of the centre, which includes a new cafe, a refurbished swimming pool, and new covered padel tennis courts, forms part of the council's Fenland Inspire investment project - which aims to upgrade leisure and public spaces.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director of partnerships and place at Sport England, said the investment was "a major boost for Whittlesey".

Talking about the council, Dodd-Mayne added: "Their ambitious plans for Manor Leisure Centre will transform an ageing facility into a vibrant community hub, creating more opportunities for local people to enjoy sport, physical activity and time together for many years to come."

The scheme is subject to planning permission and cabinet approval, with a final decision expected in the summer.

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