WORK on the £4m redevelopment of Thirsk Leisure Centre has now moved to the next level, with the completion of the steel frame extension.

Work began on site in February, despite some challenging weather conditions and the need to follow Covid-19 secure working practices.

As the leisure centre enters week ten of development works, structural steelwork engineers have now completed erection of the steel frame for the extensions.

The redevelopment includes two extensions to house a state-of-the-art gym three times the size of the current facility, which for the first time, will be operational around the clock. It will also include new multi-purpose and group cycling studios.

Outdated plant equipment that forced the centre’s pools to close several times over the last couple of years, will be replaced with greener, more environmentally sustainable equipment and a new roof will be put in place to address much needed repairs and condensation issues.

The gym changing rooms will be updated and increased in size and the reception and seating area will also be refurbished.

Councillor Mark Robson, leader of Hambleton District Council, who visited the site on Tuesday, said: “The community asked for a state-of-the-art leisure centre in Thirsk and that is exactly what we are on course to deliver.

“It’s fantastic to see construction well under way and the steel frame erected.

“It’s going to be hugely exciting to see the leisure centre continue to take shape in the coming months.

“This much needed and long-awaited development project will reinvigorate the leisure centre and encourage a more active, healthy, and happy community, at a time when our health has never been more important.”

The building work, which is being delivered in partnership with Alliance Leisure, is on track for final completion in September 2021.

It has been necessary to close the centre and the car park for this entire period with members able to use Bedale, Northallerton and Stokesley centres during this time.