Council confirms funding for leisure projects

A council has confirmed plans for a major programme of investment in leisure, culture and community spaces as part of its budget for the coming year.

North Lincolnshire Council said the programme focused on "visible upgrades and practical improvements", and included a £1.2m refurbishment of Riddings Community Hub in Scunthorpe, and resurfacing of the running track at the town's Quibell Park.

Plans for an "AI leisure centre of the future" were also discussed at the council's budget meeting.

Councillor John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban), said: "This is about investing in communities – we're upgrading facilities people use every day, things they will see.

"We are doing it while protecting essential services and delivering value for local taxpayers," he added.

Other improvements include a £1m refurbishment of The Pods in Scunthorpe and funding for local community centres.

There will also be a new creative arts hub in the town, and £1m for Ashby Hub to improve activities for children, young people and families.

Improvements will also be carried out at Baysgarth Leisure Centre in Barton-upon-Humber.

Barton ward councillor Keith Vickers welcomed the news.

"Our gym [at the leisure centre] is now so popular it's outgrown its space," he said.

Meanwhile, Councillor Carl Sherwood confirmed the continuation of free swimming sessions for children aged 16 and under during the Easter and summer school holidays.

He also told the meeting: "There are also plans for an AI leisure centre of the future to replace the Ancholme Leisure Centre [in Brigg}, which is now over 50 years old and is looking very dated."

AI has already made an impact at other leisure centres in the UK, including being used for pool safety and health and training plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Last year, the government announced its AI Opportunities Action Plan, which includes establishing AI growth zones "to facilitate the accelerated build out of AI data centres".

Local MPs have called for northern Lincolnshire to become an AI growth zone.

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