15 December 2007"Four years, countless consultancy fees, umpteen broken promises and many millions of pounds later, Clissold Leisure Centre in Stoke Newington is finally re-opening this weekend.
For those who've not followed the saga, here's the story in brief. In 2000 the Centre opened amidst a brass band's worth of pomp and publicity, the very model of a modern, major, New Labour endorsed Lottery-funded Millennium project. Come early 2004, the facility was closed, having accumulated a staggering 59 serious defects - everything from warped floors to a leaking roof to a badly thought-out changing 'village' that promptly alienated Stokey's Muslim and Hasidic Jewish communities.
The elegant building seemed doomed, a notion not entirely dismissed by Hackney council's constant goalpost-shifting when pressed about a possible re-opening. However, on 15 December the Centre will finally be welcoming the public through its doors again.
The building is now in the hands of GLL, who run a number of fitness centres in London and - auspiciously - masterminded the successful renovation of London Fields lido in 2005. Londonist had a tour round the building this week, and we were mightily impressed. The 25m, 8 lane pool is set up for sporting events as well as keeping fit - ideal for those 2012 hopefuls to get some practise in when the Olympic-sized pool at the aforementioned London Fields gets too chilly. The fitness rooms look very modern, with ranks of all-new equipment, and the floor throughout is sprung to give those ankles a rest. Throw in a couple of squash courts, a sports hall with pull out bleachers, a health suite and a cafe, and you realise that there's enough here to interest even the most un-sporty types. The building's sleek design is reflected inside, with plenty of natural light filtering through and giving the place an inspirational air. We were also assured that issues surrounding the changing 'village' have been addressed.
The membership fee, normally £35, is being waived during December. Whether that's a feeble apology for the years of closure, or a carrot to entice in locals who scarcely believe that the place will be open, it's still a bargain. With regular adult membership at £37.50 per month, it's bound to be popular. We just hope that it stays the course this time round.
Clissold Leisure Centre, 63 Clissold Road, N16 9EX. Opens at 9.00am, Saturday 15th December.
Photo by the author"
(Via Londonist Clissold Leisure Centre To Re-Open: .)
...more ---> ...| London Borough of Hackney | 15 December 2007; 8:05:13 PM |# | | Discuss |
"SWIMMERS could be slipping through the net at a Dorchester leisure centre for a dip without paying.
But the loss of income would not merit costly investment in equipment to catch them, councillors decided.
Rosie Darkin, finance manager at West Dorset District Council, told members of its audit and governance committee that staff spot check receipts after people have gone through the reception area at Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre.
The fitness suite is closely monitored and checked by staff."
(Via Cheeky Swimmers Avoid Splashing Out (from Thisisdorset): .)
...more ---> ...| Dorset Pools | 15 December 2007; 12:12:08 PM |# | | Discuss |
"Swimming
Quick results: Engages all major muscle groups, and is a strenuous workout for heart and lungs. Water supports body weight, so there's no stress on joints, and being about 14 times thicker than air, it offers ideal muscle-toning resistance.
Fighting flab: Prolonged exercise at lower intensity is better for fat-burning, which is why swimming is so effective - a man weighing around 70-80kg will burn about 750 calories an hour while swimming breaststroke at moderate intensity."
(Via Swimming vs cycling | Health and wellbeing | Life and Health: .)
...more ---> ...| newspapers | 15 December 2007; 11:25:24 AM |# | | Discuss |
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