BCP council unanimously voted to approve the £1.8 million expansion of Two Riversmeet leisure centre in Christchurch. It is the only leisure centre in Christchurch operated by BCP.
The plan is to make two studios for group excercise classes that were being held in the sports hall or squash courts. The expansion will accomodate 30-40 people per class. The report estimates an 18% increase in memberships and over 20 years is projected to generate £6.3 million revenue. The council would seek to borrow money to fund the expansion.
Boscombe West Councillor Patrick Canavan said: “I have had to listen for some time now about the challenges financially this council has had to make. I know I could spend £1.8 million on health and wellbeing in a way that would benefit more people than this would.”
Bearwood and Merley Councillor David Brown said “All of the things I could think of spending it on would be an expenditure and not generate a return to the council. Rather than just going and spending £1.8 million on health and wellbeing, we can spend £3.2 million. For me the criticisms online are so misplaced this is a really good news item. We’re investing in our facilities, we’re investing in our services and we’re generating income for the council.”
Councillor Canavan said: “I have been asking for sometime now for some insight as to what those priorities are and what choices you are looking at in terms of being able to meet the challenges you are facing. What it seems to me you are doing is that you are seeking to push this to the top of the queue.”
During the formation of BCP council, 84% of people in Christchurch were concerned that Christchurch would not recieve the funding and investment that Bournemouth and Poole would.
Highcliffe and Walkford Councillor Andy Martin said: “This is a very important investment into Christchurch. When I first joined the council, one of my biggest bug bears was a lack of plans to invest in Christchurch.”
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