Residents have had the opportunity to comment on plans for the brand new leisure centre in Market Rasen. Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council held an exhibition, which included a virtual reality video to showcase plans of the £6.1 million dry leisure facility.

The plans for the new facility on Gainsborough Road, Market Rasen, include; a 3G outdoor pitch, multi-use area, group exercise studio, a sports hall and a health and fitness suite, attracted plenty of interest. Local resident, Brian Milne said he was impressed with the proposals. He said:

“I think the plans are really good. The look of the building is very modern and impressive. “Some of the nearby villages don’t have regular buses, so I am pleased to see the outreach programme included, which will be a great asset to many.”

His wife Sue hopes the centre will bring more people into the town, which will support local businesses. She commented:

“It is on the best site. It looks like it caters for a wide range of different sports and the facilities cater for different age groups. We are fortunate that we have a car but many people cannot get out and about. Any leisure centre that can get people more fit and able is good. Hopefully, it will bring people into the town and that footfall will be good for local businesses.”

Mr. Andrew Smith, the Headteacher of Market Rasen Church of England Primary School was one of the first people at the event to see the plans up close. He said:

“We would be looking to work really closely with Everyone Active and West Lindsey District Council. We want to make sure the school benefits from the excellent facilities that are going to be at the back of the school.

Mayor of Market Rasen, John Matthews, added:

“As a town council we are delighted West Lindsey has chosen Market Rasen as a destination for this project. It shows encouraging confidence in the future of the town and the ongoing work, the town council is doing.”

The new build, is expected to be completed by Spring 2020 is adjacent to a conservation area. The council has taken advice on the design of the building, to ensure that it complements the local area.

Karen Whitfield, the district council's project manager for the development said:

“The building has been set back on the site to provide a green buffer and to limit the impact of the building and it’s visibility from the road.

“A neutral palette has been chosen, which blends in with the natural environment, including the wood finish to the front of the building.

“Following a study on other local buildings and the heritage of the town, bricks will be chosen that compliment those already used within the town.”

Gary O'Connell, who has a holiday home in the town, said:

“The plans are brilliant. I like the way the centre is set back off the road. I will 100 per cent use it. It has been good to see windows in the gym because that really makes all the difference. In future, if a pool could be added that would be great.”

The new facility will include:

• Health and fitness facilities
• A sports hall
• A multi-use area
• An exercise studio
• 3G outdoor pitch

Mr. Alan Skidmore and his wife Rosemary who live close to the new development were pleased to be able to ask questions to the development team. He said:

“I like the layout. Our only concern is perhaps the five a side pitch and the light from the floodlights, although some lighting would be good as it is dark where we are.”

His wife Rosemary added:

“Market Rasen needs something like this.”

Cllr. Tom Smith (Conservative, Market Rasen ward) thanked everyone for attending along to the event, which was held at the Festival Hall. He commented:

“I would like to thank everyone who came out to view the plan and asked questions. The council values the role that leisure plays in keeping our communities fit and active, as well as the associated social benefits.

“This development is possible because of the way the Council has re-worked its leisure contract. Under the new arrangements the Council no longer pay for leisure provision. 

“However the whole of the leisure service has been revitalised – the centre at Gainsborough has been refurbished, there will be a sports outreach service which covers the whole of the district and the new leisure centre is being built.  All of this is at no cost to local taxpayers.”

Cllr. Lewis Strange (Conservative, Kelsey Wold ward) said:

“It is a breath of blue sky thinking. Something for Market Rasen to pin its future too. It is tremendously good news for the eastern side of West Lindsey the health and wellbeing of residents.”

Residents have until Monday, 22nd October to have their say on the plans. Visit: www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/mrleisure