A leisure centre, which closed last year after high levels of methane were discovered in the air, is set to reopen in October according to bosses at Blaby District Council.
Huncote Leisure Centre closed in November 2021, after elevated landfill gas levels were discovered following routine maintenance works.
The centre sits on the site of a former landfill site, which caused the excess landfill gas coming from the site, according to bosses at Blaby District Council, which runs the company alongside leisure operator ‘Everyone Active.’
Since November, work including the installation of gas extraction systems, venting wells, and water sampling has been carried out to alleviate the problem.
At a meeting last Tuesday (July 19),Councillors approved the long-term plans for the leisure centre and agreed to the proposal that once remedial works for landfill gas on the site have been completed, the building will reopen.
The month of October has been earmarked.
Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “We are delighted to be in the position where we can offer clarity on the future of Huncote Leisure Centre. An enormous amount of hard work has taken place at the site over the last eight months, solving the landfill gas issues.
“Huncote Leisure Centre is too big an asset to lose forever. Residents and local businesses rely on the site and this decision not only makes financial sense for the council, but also our local communities.
“I would also like to thank all of our partners, including the leisure centre operators Everyone Active, for the positive dialogue we have had whilst we have tried to resolve the landfill gas issues. The strength of our relationship with Everyone Active has made this process so much easier.”
James Naylor, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “The expected reopening of Huncote Leisure Centre in October is fantastic news and we cannot wait to welcome everyone.
“The centre is a huge asset to the community and its reopening will allow people to improve their physical and mental health through exercise, as well as having fun.
“As we look to rebuild activities across the centre, customers will be informed of the initial opening times.
I’m sure there are so many people who are ready to enjoy the wide range of activities on offer at the centre once more, and we look forward to seeing them soon.”
Full details about the confirmed reopening date will be announced in the coming weeks.
