PLANS for a £5 million upgrade of Calne’s leisure centre have been given the go ahead as soon as Wiltshire Council takes control of the complex this month.

Proposals include an extensive modernisation of the building, expansion of the fitness suite, installation of unisex changing rooms with cubicles and enhancements to the entrance.

Since 2008 Calne Leisure Centre has been owned by the community after Calne Leisure Action Group launched a campaign to keep it open, but as of Tuesday, June 21, Wiltshire Council are to assume control of the centre again.

Councillor Alan Hill, of the Calne Area Board, said: “The leisure centre was due to be closed some years ago, however, a number of volunteers came on board putting themselves forward as trustees.

“They did a really great job in keeping it running but there is only so much that you can do if you are volunteers.

“It was decided to hand it back to the council. They have said that as soon as they get it back under their control they will spend £5 million to refurbish it.

“It is in dire need of refurbishment and it has needed it for several years if it is going to keep going as an asset to the community.”

Board members for the leisure centre had been in talks with the county council since early 2015 about transferring over their lease.

Their current lease was meant to run until November 2017 but they decided to hand it over to the council to secure the future of the centre and procure the investment needed.

“This is not going to happen overnight but the improved facility will be a great benefit for the town and it is really all good news for Calne,” added Coun Hill.

“Unfortunately it is at a very early stage and we may not see any real movement for a while but having made the decision to hand it over it is going to happen.”

Jonathon Seed, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for leisure, said: “As part of Wiltshire Council’s Health and Wellbeing Centre programme, we will take over the running of Calne Leisure Centre later this month and we are committed to refurbishing this facility.

"We will be making improvements to the fitness suite, changing facilities and will carry out other enhancements including community and partner space and a café”.