Lungfish Architects are joining forces with Woodhead Construction to deliver the much anticipated, multi-million pound Creswell Heritage and Wellbeing Centre.
Due to start onsite in early 2022, the project will see a brand-new facility for the village, replacing the former Creswell Leisure Centre which closed its doors in 2016.
The £2m+ development for Elmton-with-Creswell Parish Council will provide people with the chance to participate in an active and healthy lifestyle, as well as link with the importance of the nearby Creswell Crags and provide an educational resource to the local area.
With assistance and funding from Bolsover District Council, Elmton-with-Creswell Parish Council, Derbyshire County Council, Viridor, Big Local and Bolsover Partnership, it is anticipated that the new centre will create partnership working opportunities, aimed to encourage the community, groups, and health organisations to use it.
Craig Taylor, Director at Lungfish Architects says:
“We are excited to be working collaboratively with Woodhead Construction, to enable Elmton-with-Creswell Parish Council to provide enhanced facilities and health benefits for the local community. As a space which will bring together different community groups, the building has been designed to be as multi-functional as possible with a gym and exercise studio, café and climbing wall emulating the cliffs and iron age caves of the nearby Creswell Crags.”
Glenn Slater, Chief Visionary Officer of Robert Woodhead Limited said:
“We are so pleased to be working with Elmton-with-Creswell Parish Council to deliver the new centre, it will bring investment into Creswell, as well as benefitting the general wellbeing of residents for years to come. As local contractors, we will be working hard to use our strong local supply chain.”
The new facility will provide:
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27 station gym
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Climbing wall and caving experience
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Group exercise studio
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Soft play area
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Two badminton court sports hall
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Café
Councillor Duncan McGregor said:
“I am delighted to finally be able to say that work is about to start. It would have started sooner if it was not for the pandemic, but I am hopeful that we will be up and running by this time next year.
We want the facility to be as flexible as possible and that is what we are going to get. It will provide the fitness enthusiast with a venue to workout, whilst offering a more social setting for people and groups to meet, have a chat and enjoy a cuppa whilst still being active and provide a setting for educational visits.”
Community benefits
The mix of facilities and space available will encourage:
- health groups to take advantage of the activities and healthy eating options provided by the café
- schools to make use of the climbing wall and caving experience where there will be a timeline of the Crags and how it has evolved providing a learning and educational resource whilst the children are active
- families to exercise and stay healthy and active together
- community groups to stage events and activities utilising the main sports hall and café
- traineeship programme to help young people get a foot on the job ladder and pursue a career in the leisure industry
Councillor McGregor added
“We hope that this facility will prove to be the catalyst for collaboration within the Parish and surrounding areas. We want as many groups and organisations to come forward and use the centre and all it will have to offer.
“This is a facility for the community, and we feel that we have the right mix and blend of activities and space to make a real difference, not only for the communities of Creswell but the surrounding villages as well. It really is something for the whole community and for all ages.”
