New Dorchester Sports Centre

Construction Progress:

The final stages of work on the new Dorchester Sports Centre are progressing well and the construction is expected to be completed by late June 2012. Once the building work is complete, there will then be a four to six week period when the centre will be fitted out with fitness and IT equipment.

The 25-metre six lane swimming pool and the learner pool are both due to be filled with water in the next few weeks. It is expected to take around one and a half weeks and 155,000 gallons of water to fill both pools and the system. The water will be taken from the mains supply and then treated with the appropriate chemicals.

When will the centre open?

It is planned that 1610 Ltd, a non-profit making leisure trust, will take over the management of the centre upon completion of the building work.

After a competitive tendering process, in which four leisure management companies entered bids to manage the new facilities, West Dorset District Council selected 1610 Ltd, formerly known as Somerset Leisure Trust, as the preferred bidder. Negotiations with 1610 Ltd to agree a 10-year operating contract are progressing well and when a contract has been signed, an opening date for the centre will be set.

The staff currently employed by the district council at the Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre will be transferred over to the new operator.

The new facilities:

The new complex will include:

• A six lane swimming pool with spectator gallery
• Learner pool
• State of the art fitness suite
• Dance studio
• Changing village
• Increased car parking

The facilities will be used both by local schools and the community and will be open to the public all day, every day.

Visiting the leisure centre site

Leadbitter Group is implementing a variety of measures to minimise any disruption while work is taking place. However, anyone using the existing facilities should plan ahead and consider using other forms of transport because there will be pressure on parking space during busy times.

Access to The Thomas Hardye School, the leisure centre, the nursery at the school and the rugby club will be maintained while building work is being carried out. If you are using these facilities please do not enter the building site or allow your children to do so, even when works are not actually in progress.

The new centre in Coburg Road is being developed by West Dorset District Council, in partnership with Dorset County Council and The Thomas Hardye School, and constructed by the Leadbitter Group.

Further information

If you have any questions or concerns about the building work please contact the project manager, Malcolm Jones, on 01305 260594 during office hours.

• Frequently asked questions about the new Dorchester Sports Centre

• Name: Leisure & Tourism (West Dorset)
  Email: Leisure@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 252250
  Fax: 01305 257039
  Full details for Leisure & Tourism (West Dorset)