WORK on a £433,000 re-development of Bowling Pool, including a new gym facility, will begin once the national lockdown ends.

Bradford Council is hoping the works, that will also include a poolside sauna, will boost the numbers of people using the leisure facility.

It is an “invest to save” scheme - with the extra income generated by the improved centre expected to pay back the cost of the works.

The facility will be built in a section of the site that has been used for training and as offices for the District’s music services.

Extra 1,200 join Sedbergh Leisure Centre in first month

The new gym will include a studio, weights room and physio space, as well as better disabled access.

The Council says it is inspired by the Sedbergh Sports and Leisure Centre.

That facility opened late last year, replacing Richard Dunn sports centre, and the state of the art equipment in the centre was credited with increasing the number of people using Council run gym facilities.

It is hoped that people will be persuaded to use Council run gyms, with income coming into the public purse, rather than private gyms.

Last year the pool, on Flockton Road, East Bowling, was shut for six months for “essential maintenance including a new roof and improving energy efficiency.

The Council’s decision making Executive approved £433,000 funding for the gym works last month, with a report to members saying: “The works will increase membership, physical activity and participation levels.

“The scheme will be an invest to save one with the additional income funding the annual capital financing costs.”

A planning application for the re-development has recently been submitted, with a decision on the development expected next month.

The facility will open from 7.30am to 10pm on Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm on Saturdays and 9am to 4pm on Sundays.

A spokesman for Bradford Council said: “Work to create a new gym is scheduled to start at Bowling Pool as soon as the restrictions are lifted.

“The new gym will include over 40 pieces of exercise equipment, studio space for classes and a specialist gym area. The specialist equipment will be accessible for people with disabilities.

“The new gym area will have its own changing facilities and a new poolside sauna will complement the fitness and health provision.

“The new Bowling Pool gym will be part of the Council’s successful ClubActive brand of fitness and exercise facilities

Councillor Sarah Ferriby Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places, said “Following the success of Sedbergh Sports and Leisure Centre we are excited and pleased to be bringing forward the new gym at Bowling Pool.

“The new gym will give people much needed opportunity to enjoy exercise and have fun whilst benefitting their health”