Leisure centre plan 'on track' with new contractor

Plans for a town's new leisure centre remain on track despite the collapse of a contractor originally appointed to deliver the £18m project, a council said.

Fenland District Council said it was continuing with plans to redevelop Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey, near Peterborough, alongside a new firm following the previous contractor, Curo Construction, ceasing trading.

Earlier this week, Cambs News reported the project's future could be in doubt after the London-based firm collapsed on Tuesday.

Councillor Steve Count said Fenland's project delivery partner Alliance Leisure had "acted quickly" to appoint Speller Metcalfe as a replacement and keep the project moving.

The council said as soon as Alliance Leisure was notified, it met with Curo and cancelled all ongoing pre‑contract activity.

An immediate review was undertaken of other suitable firms to continue the project without unnecessary delay and after consultations with the council, Speller Metcalfe was appointed to deliver the project, a council spokesperson added.

Count, portfolio holder for leisure centre projects, said: "We recognise that residents and local businesses will have questions following the announcement that the firm has ceased trading.

"Our priority is to ensure continuity for this proposed redevelopment and to keep the project moving forward.

"We will provide further updates as soon as the revised programme is confirmed."

The redevelopment of the centre, which includes a new cafe, a refurbished swimming pool, and new covered padel tennis courts, forms part of the council's Fenland Inspire! investment project which aims to upgrade leisure and public spaces.

The scheme is subject to planning permission and cabinet approval, with a final decision expected in the summer.

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