The Carnegie Leisure Centre opened again on the 26th of November 2011 after being closed for a staggering three years! As a former regular user of the facilities I have watched the drama surrounding the refurb unfold with great interest. So with the official opening of the Centre just round the corner has it all been worth it?
When I think back to the time leading up to the closure there was a consultation as to what we, as members, would choose to do with the Centre and I'm afraid I voted for the refurb, with the benefit of hindsight I think this was the wrong choice. Why did I vote for the refurb you may ask? The Carnegie Centre as it stood in 2008 was in my opinion was worth saving and improving, however I am left saddened to find that the beautiful aero-tone baths have not been saved but rather have been turned into office space, add to this the sheer amount of time and money the project has cost it really would, in my opinion, have been better to have built a new Centre on the edge of town with parking for users.
For right or for wrong the budget and timescale for the refurb has been blown but I am told that the new Centre is indeed beautiful inside with equipment and classes that are second to none. It's also good to see that the Centre will officially open with pride with a flurry of activity on 24th and 25th February, everything from Water Polo and a Swimming Gala, to a selection of Fitness Classes in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Seems like a good opportunity to sample what the Centre has to offer and have a good nosey round at the same time!
