New leisure centre finally opens after delay

A much-anticipated new leisure centre has opened in Epping after the unveiling was delayed by about two months.

The complex in Bakers Lane has become home to the town's first public swimming pools, as well as a sports hall, gym studios and squash courts.

Last month, Epping Forest District Council's Conservative deputy leader Ray Balcombe, who is also portfolio holder for contract delivery, said the opening would be an "exciting milestone" for the town.

The work started in 2023 and the centre was due to open in the autumn, but the opening was pushed back because the foundations of an entrance road were "too soft".

The project cost about £33.1m, although it was originally priced at £25m back in November 2020.

The council said the centre marked a key milestone in its road to being a carbon-neutral local authority by 2030.

Plans for the low-carbon leisure centre were first approved by the district council in October 2021.

The leisure centre - which opened earlier on Monday - is owned by the council and is being run by Places Leisure.

Last month, the company's business development director, Dan Walker, said the site would create an "inclusive environment" and would be a "vibrant" social hub for local people.

The existing Epping Sports Centre - which is a short walk away in Hemnall Street - is due to be demolished and replaced with homes.

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