Leeds set for new leisure centre as part of levelling up plans

With the end of the government’s second phase of their levelling up funding fast approaching, Leeds City Council have applied for a share of the funds to help redevelop a local leisure centre.The Fearnville Leisure Centre in Gipton, built over 40 years ago, is set to be rebuilt to attract more visitors as well as becoming more economical. New sport facilities such as football pitches, swimming facilities, tennis courts, a BMX track, and a skate park will be included as part of the plans, with a park run course around the perimeter and separate play areas for young children and teenagers also available.David Jenkins, Labour councillor for the Killingbeck and Seacroft Ward, said:“This is the oldest sport centre in Leeds that’s still existing, so it’s 40 years old.It’s quite in need of restoration and development into a health and wellbeing centre. It will be fantastic for the area, and we hope the government will allow it through the levelling up process at its second attempt.I think because it will be moved towards Oakwood Lane, it should attract more customers and be more viable as an economic entity. So, let’s get it on as quickly as possible.”The first bid, last year, was rejected by the government, so the council are hoping that the second fairs better, considering £20 million of the funding for the project will be covered by a successful bid. The overall cost of the project is expected to be around £28.6 million, so the initiative is reliant on the granting of the levelling up funding.