Leisure centre announces temporary closure

Torridge District Council has announced that Holsworthy Leisure Centre will temporarily close in December to allow for the safe removal of asbestos as part of a £1 million project to upgrade its heating system.

The funding, secured from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, will be used to install air-to-water heat pumps, replacing the existing oil boiler. 

The new system will “not only help to significantly reduce the costs associated with heating the building, swimming pool and hot water, but it will dramatically reduce carbon emissions.”

During preparatory inspections, asbestos was identified in some parts of the premises. Specialist contractors will carry out its removal to ensure the safety of the facility. 

Addressing the closure, the council said: “We appreciate that this closure is at short notice and is not part of our wider project plan, but it is important that we act responsibly in managing this part of the project in the appropriate manner. We will therefore be conducting further survey and monitoring work throughout the removal process to provide assurance to members that the facilities will only be re-opened when the works have been completed and the areas are cleared for ongoing use.”

The leisure centre is expected to reopen for the New Year, though further closures are planned throughout 2025 as part of the main project.

Members will be contacted directly by Active Torridge, and updates will be shared on the Active Torridge and Torridge District Council websites and social media pages. 

The council apologised for any inconvenience caused and committed to “complete this initial phase of preparatory work as quickly as possible.”