Uttlesford District Council approves exciting plans for underused squash courts

In Dunmow Leisure Centre, one of two squash courts will be converted into a new state-of-the-art indoor cycling studio with a £90,000 investment. In Lord Butler Leisure Centre, one of three squash courts will become home to an active virtual reality experience aimed at driving activity in the younger generation and an experience families of all ages can enjoy together.

Squash is one of many sports and forms of exercise that will be continued to be offered at the leisure centres, but with demand dropping in recent years both locally and nationally and the courts significantly underused, this is a fantastic opportunity to enhance the centre's offering. The specialist floor in the courts also means they cannot easily be used for other purposes and sit empty.

The exciting plans to repurpose the under-utilised spaces were put forward by the leisure centre operator 1Life and backed by Uttlesford District Council.

Cllr Petrina Lees, Leader of the council, said: "Despite the best efforts of clubs like the Saffron Walden Squash Club, people have turned in greater numbers to other new forms of exercise and to different sports such as the fast-growing game of pickleball which has been added to the offering in the general sports area. 

"Whilst maintaining the opportunity to play squash, it makes sense to make better use of the valuable floor space which will help to increase participation and encourage new and young users of our leisure services."

Steve Bambury, Chief Operating Officer at 1Life Management Solutions, said: "We are committed to keeping the community active and ensuring the activities and services are reflective of customer demands and trends, whilst maximising the usage of the facilities."

12 November 2024