Have your say on Donyngs improvement plans
Detailed proposals for the revamp of Donyngs Sports Centre have gone on display so people can to have their say on the plans.
Detailed proposals for a £3.4 million revamp of Donyngs Sports Centre in Redhill have gone on show and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Nuffield Health, who run the centre, are calling on centre users and the wider community to have their say on the improvement plans as part of a two-week consultation.
See the plans
A display in Donyngs’ foyer shows the new layout for the centre, artist’s impressions of the proposed new facilities and information about the refurbishment programme, along with feedback forms so customers can give their views.
Representatives from Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Nuffield Health will be available on site at specific times to discuss the proposals with visitors.
The proposals are also be available to view on the Donyngs Sports Centre page of the Council’s website.
Have your say
Project Manager, Tim Prior, said: “The detailed designs for the improvements to Donyngs are almost complete and we would like to hear your views on our proposals. The project not only promises improvements to the centre’s facilities and equipment but will also increase the range and quality of activities we can offer to customers.
"All of the main public areas will be extensively refurbished and there will be a lot of work behind the scenes to modernise electrical and mechanical systems, making them more effective and energy efficient.”
Modernised
Over £320,000 will be spent on new gym equipment alone with approximately 30 per cent more exercise stations. The gym will be relocated to accommodate the additional equipment, a children’s fitness gym, a physio room and a Health MOT room.
The fitness facilities will be modernised with an extended dance/exercise studio. The reception area, main changing rooms, toilets, and soft play areas for young children are to be refurbished and the centre will benefit from a significant redecoration programme.
The swimming pool will benefit from retiling and improvements to the existing tiled areas. There will also be improvements to the pool plant equipment which will add to the significant amount of work and investment that has already taken place in this area.
External improvements
Subject to planning approval, a range of improvements to the outside of the building aim to make it more inviting, including
- three new windows in the pool hall overlooking Linkfield Lane
- improvements to the main entrance
- repainting of the building’s metal framework; repaving around the entrance
- better lighting
- improved signage and new cycle racks and seating
The large concrete planter outside the entrance will also be demolished to improve access and create more space for cycle parking and pedestrians.
Behind the scenes
Behind the scenes, there will be a new air conditioning system for the gym and exercise areas, along with improvements to the lighting, heating and ventilation systems, mechanical plant, electrical wiring and fire alarms, designed to increase efficiency and reduce power and water usage.
First rate facilities
Daniel Law, Operations Director for Nuffield Health, said: "The planned improvements at Donyngs Sports Centre will ensure that the local community will benefit from first rate facilities and services that support the pursuit of getting healthy and staying healthy."
How to respond
The consultation runs from Monday 26 April for two weeks, closing on Monday 10 May 2010. Feedback forms can be handed in to Donyngs reception or comments can be emailed to tim.prior@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.
Alternatively send your comments in writing to Tim Prior, Project Manager, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate RH2 0SH.
Feedback from the consultation will be passed to the design team and the results displayed at the centre in the coming weeks.
It is anticipated that work will get underway later in the summer, in August. Whilst there will be some disruption to services it is planned that the centre will remain open to the public throughout.
Project background
Built in the early 1980s, Donyngs Sports Centre is over 25 years old. Extensive work is required modernise its facilities, replace outdated systems and improve the range of activities it offers to serve the community.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has committed £2 million to the improvements and Nuffield Health, who manage the centre, are contributing £1.4 million.
The project forms part of the Council’s commitment to improving leisure provision across the borough as detailed in our Corporate Plan 2009-2012.
Last updated : 13/05/2010
