Woodley Leisure Centre Faces £66k Repairs Bill

Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley needs tens of thousands of pounds of work, a report for Woodley Town Council says. The centre has a five-court sports hall, a 3G pitch and an outdoor paddling pool.

Town clerk Kevin Murray warns the drainage must be replaced. "A quotation of £66k has been received for the replacement of the existing pitch fibre drainage system serving the leisure centre, following an extensive investigation into the condition of the drainage pipework, together with short-term repairs and clearance works undertaken earlier in the year."

"The existing pipework has exceeded its expected service life and has suffered from tree root ingress and restricted flows in several locations."

"The Amenities Team continue to deal with regular blockages, which have an immediate impact on the day-to-day operation of the centre."

The work will replace the existing pitch fibre pipework, made out of wood and coal, with modern plastic drainage pipes across all the drainage that runs between the leisure centre and the public sewer.

The report also flags fire doors need replacing, but the council has avoided a much larger bill after a lower quote. "This work has now been procured for circa £50k, with works due to commence in January 2027."

"A site visit has been undertaken by the contractor and contract administrator to assess and quantify any additional works which might be required to ensure the effectiveness of the new doors, with particular attention given to the provision of fire breaks around door openings and within ceiling voids."

"Additional works have been identified, with the contractor due to provide a quotation and programme for these shortly."

"It is intended that these works will be undertaken alongside the replacement of the fire doors, with the estimated cost of approximately £10k."

A planned structural survey has also risen in cost. "Following previous agreement to undertake a comprehensive structural survey of the leisure centre, estimated at the time at around £4k, a revised quotation of £12k has now been received."

"This increase is mainly due to the requirement for specialist abseiling equipment needed to assess the sports hall. These works will now be progressed."

Details appear on the agenda for Woodley Town Council's leisure services committee meeting on Tuesday, 10 November. Councillors are being asked to recommend the spending to the council's strategy and resources committee.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter