The Heights leisure centre is currently undergoing the first phase of the £2.67 million refurbishment.
The swimming pools, changing rooms and cafeteria are being given an overhaul, as well as a second activity studio and larger Tone Zone gym being installed.
Although the council say that the first phase is on course to be completed by the end of June, John Metcalfe, deputy director for economy and the environment, warns of a possible delay.
“There may be a delay due to issues with the location of a gas main and the condition of the roof above the two pools – but at this stage the length of the delay is not known,” he said.
“We will have a better idea in the next two weeks and will keep those affected fully informed.”
Need to relocate gas main
John went on to say, “When the site excavations started we found that the gas main was not in the location indicated to us in the utility plans for the area.
“Unfortunately it has been necessary to relocate it to enable us to undertake construction works for the new Tone Zone gym. This is something that can only be undertaken by Transco and unfortunately has had a considerable lead time, although the works should be completed in the next two to three days.”
Replacing the roof
As with renovations of any type, sometimes problems can come to light once you start to peel away at the surface.
John explained, “Although we undertook an extensive condition survey of the building in order to design the refurbishment there are some things that cannot be assessed other than by dismantling parts of the building making it unusable for further use.
“This was the case in respect of the roofs above the pools. Following extensive research it has been determined that it is more cost effective to replace these roofs in their entirety – which will affect any delay. Amendments such as this do occur more regularly in refurbishment projects and are allowed for in the contingency budgets for the project.
“The second phase of the project, which includes the refurbishment of the health suite and the construction of new larger dryside changing rooms, is scheduled to start by July and be completed in October – also subject to any issues caused by the gas main diversion and any additional roof works.”
