Date set for former leisure centre's demolition

Demolition will take around 12 weeks.

The work to carefully remove the failing structure will take around 12 weeks, with much of the building’s material recycled during the process.

Demolition facts:

• The former Hermitage Leisure Centre was decommissioned and made safe in February 2022

• Demolition will take around 12 weeks

• Contractors will carefully strip the building of materials

• Between 85 per cent and 98 per cent of the building materials will be recycled

• As a result of the number of materials expected to be recycled, the cost to demolish will be significantly less than the £300,000 originally budgeted.

The councils said that nearby residents will be informed of any impacts the project may have on access and that contractors will ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.

The former Hermitage Leisure Centre was closed in February 2022 after the opening of the £22 million Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre on Stephenson Way.

With the future of the site to be decided, the area will be filled, levelled and secured.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of NWLDC, said: “With the decision made to demolish the former leisure centre, it’s important to get this work done as quickly as possible, to prevent the empty building becoming a target for anti-social behaviour and crime. We have aspirations to invest in the Hermitage Recreation Ground and are working up plans to improve the community facilities in the area.”