Early start on Roehampton leisure plan

£2m work to start in May and should be completed by the end of 2007

The council is to spend more than £2m refurbishing Roehampton Recreation Centre and improving its immediate environment.

The investment marks the first stage of the council's regeneration plan for the Danebury Avenue area.

The £1.8m works to the centre will include a sports hall, new reception area, new changing rooms, children's play area, multi-purpose rooms, a dance studio and fitness suite.

The Roehampton improvements follow extensive refurbishments at the six other council leisure centres.

Approaches to the centre in Laverstoke Gardens will also be upgraded as part of a £0.5m programme of environmental improvements.

The proposal to refurbish the existing centre was supported by a majority of those responding to the council's recent consultation on its regeneration strategy.

Executive member for regeneration and community safety James Cousins said:

"This shows we mean business in Roehampton. The money has been set aside so we can make an early start on the recreation centre. Local residents made it clear that they saw an upgraded centre as a priority. This is one of six key sites which between them hold the key to the long term revitalisation of the central Roehampton area.

"We are aiming to attract investment of up to £45m to Roehampton. Most of this will be private sector-led but the council is showing the way by pressing ahead with the leisure improvements."

The council will continue to work up detailed options for the other sites in the central area which include options for new shops and housing.

April 20, 2007