A BOURNEMOUTH leisure centre which has been out of use since at least 2021 will finally reopen later this year.
BH Live Active Queen’s Park has been blocked off with concrete barriers and shut since the summer of 2021.
But now managers have confirmed that the facility in Queens Park South Drive will reopen this summer.
Bosses say new improvements are on the horizon, including a new look group cycle studio for instructor-led and virtual classes, an upgraded exercise studio and the launch of a new group exercise table.
A spokeswoman for BH Live Active said the company is “pleased” to confirm the reopening, but a specific date is yet to be confirmed.
They added: “Over the next few months, we will be carrying out a schedule of works and getting the centre ready.
“Improvements customers can expect to include a new look group cycle studio with Technogym bikes for instructor-led and virtual classes.
Read more: Council drops plan to buy Queen's Park Leisure Centre
“We are upgrading the group exercise studio with new Les Mills [equipment] and will be launching a new group exercise timetable with lots of favourite classes and more.
“There’ll be secure customer access with new tap-in gates and we’ll be giving the whole centre a fresh look and feel with decoration throughout, extra changing room amenities, and a relaunched Terrace café with new furniture, WiFi, hot and cold drinks, plus a grab-and-go menu.”
The crèche, pool and spa at Queen’s Park will remain closed, however, alternative spa and swimming facilities are available at other BH Live sites.
Read more: Latest on future of Bournemouth's Queen's Park Leisure Centre
A notice on the charity's website has suggested that the planned reopening was affected by “ongoing industry and economic challenges”.
This included a “significant increase in operating costs, including energy, utilities, and recruitment".
There was speculation that BCP Council could have taken over the running of the centre, but these plans were quickly dropped.
Since its closure, the Queen's Park site has been unoccupied, with the building locked and concrete barriers blocking access to the car park.
Leisure centres were recently given a £63 million cash boost by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to help them stay afloat.
Although welcome, industry bosses fear the money will not go far – with rising energy bills putting pressure on services.
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