In just under three weeks’ time (25 July), Wokingham Borough Council’s leisure centre at the multi-million pound Carnival Hub will open its doors to the public.

It has taken just over 18 months for the main construction work to be completed, which started at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

More than 700 construction workers have been involved in the project, which is part of the final phase of the council’s ambitious regeneration project in Wokingham town centre.

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Cllr Ian Shenton, newly appointed executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “The Carnival Hub is a fantastic community facility and I am sure many of you, like me, cannot wait for the leisure facilities to open this month. The impressive, state of the art leisure centre will help residents improve their health and wellbeing.”

The Carnival Hub brings together a large leisure centre and a new home for Wokingham library, along with flexible cultural use of the space.  It has been built on the site of the former 1990s swimming pool and leisure centre in Wellington Road, which was knocked down in spring 2020.

It includes swimming pools, children’s splash pad, a health suite (sauna, salt and steam room), 120 station fitness suite, fitness studios including group cycling studio, a café and a dual-purpose hall for sports or 400 seat-cultural performances.  There will also be a specialist gym for those with long term health conditions.

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The council’s construction contractors Pellikaan handed over the building yesterday (5 July) and the council’s leisure partner Places Leisure has begun fitting-out the interiors and installing equipment ready to welcome the first customers.

Tony Penge, contract manager, Places Leisure, Wokingham, said: “We are really excited to be opening the new Wokingham Leisure Centre on 25 July.

“We are looking forward to welcoming both new and existing customers through the doors of this fantastic facility.

“In advance of this we are offering the local community an opportunity to have a tour of the centre prior to opening. These will be available from Friday 8 July. Visit our website to book a place on the tour.”