Revamped centre reopens (From Bournemouth Echo)

Revamped centre reopens

7:00pm Thursday 26th August 2010 in

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A LEISURE centre that closed two years ago will re-open its doors on Saturday.

The facility on Hardings Lane, Gillingham, locked its doors in March 2008 after cash-strapped North Dorset District Council withdrew its annual funding.

But a £4 million parachute payment from the district council, support from civic authorities, and tireless efforts from community volunteers, will see the centre reopen this bank holiday as the RiversMeet Centre.

Lynda Grange, a volunteer with the Three Rivers Partnership, said: “We always had faith it would happen, and in the end it has. It’s been a huge effort from a very small team of people.”

A new 25-metre swimming pool, improved changing facilities, an enlarged sports hall, and a fitness suite will be among the facilities displayed to the public for the first time on Saturday.

District council leader Cllr Peter Webb said: “Together, we have managed to take an obsolete leisure centre, access community drive, and local wish, and turn it into something that will be far more than a place where you simply go for a swim.”

He said discussions would soon begin with town, district and county councillors, as well as local NHS chiefs, to maximise the centre’s ability to serve the entire community.

Gillingham town clerk Sylvia Dobie said the town council had increased its precept in recent years to add a further £50,000 to £250,000 set aside for the centre.

“It’s something that everybody has worked for but didn’t really believe it could be as good as it is. They have done a magnificent job. It’s absolutely fantastic,” said Mrs Dobie.

She added that the town council would not contribute to running costs and expected the centre to be self-sufficient.

The RiversMeet Centre opens its doors for viewing between 2pm and 6pm tomorrow and 10am-4pm on Sunday.