PFI projects get underway in Uttlesford

Construction of two new dual use leisure facilities on school sites in Uttlesford gets underway this summer as part of a £10.5m investment in leisure.

The leisure centres at Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form Centre, Great Dunmow and Moutfitchet High School, Stansted will both be open to the public during the day. It is the first leisure PFI project where the provision of dual use facilities on school sites relies on public use to make the scheme viable.

The Great Dunmow Leisure Centre will offer a 25m x 13m pool with spectator seating, a sports hall, 2 squash courts, a gym, floodlit tennis courts, a dance studio and floodlit pitch. Facilities at the Stanstead Leisure Centre include a sports hall, gym, and aerobics studio.

Work will also start of the refurbishment of the Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure Centre at the end of the year which will include an extension of the fitness suite and dance studio.

The contract between Uttlesford District Council and the PFI provider, Linteum, will last for 32 years and has a total value of £100m. Leisure Connection wil provide the leisure services and the pivate sector funding is being provided for by the Dutch based NIB Capital Bank. Details:+44 (0)1799 510537