Matt Nicol’s Post

Major new plans aim to deliver a healthy future for ageing #LeedsLeisureCentre site. A popular but ageing leisure centre site could be transformed into a state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing hub under exciting plans announced by #LeedsCityCouncil. The council has had long-standing ambitions for #FearnvilleLeisureCentre in #Gipton to be replaced with a facility that is fit for the 21st century. This could soon become a reality, with good progress being made towards identifying funding for a scheme that would deliver a significant boost to communities facing sizeable social and economic challenges. The council’s plans would see a new wellbeing centre being built on part of the #KingGeorgeVPlayingFields, a 28-acre green space that is home to the current #Fearnville facility. Indoor amenities would include a large main swimming pool, learner pool, sports hall, fitness studios, spin room and a 120-station gym as well as a community café and adventure play area. Major improvements would also be made to Fearnville’s outdoor offer, with an all-weather pitch, tennis courts, skatepark and play zone among the proposed features https://lnkd.in/etQWgkfy #LeedsNews #LeedsStar #LeedsStarNewspaper #LeedsCityCouncil #VisitLeeds #LeedsCity #Leeds

Some great news for everyone who loves to gym, swim, and spin! We're delighted to have signed a new contract with Places Leisure, securing the future of Riverside Leisure Centre until 2029. Over the past year membership numbers have surpassed pre-pandemic levels and 350,000 visits were recorded. This positive news stands in contrast to the national picture which has seen large numbers of public pools close in recent years, with research showing 75% of council areas are at risk of closing leisure centres or reducing services. Use of Riverside Leisure Centre is helping to improve residents’ physical and mental health, as well as providing wider benefits to the local community, which reduces demand on the NHS and other local services – this is calculated to provide social value of £2.2m to the city. Councillor Adam Giles, cabinet member for communities and social inclusion, said: “The continued success of Riverside Leisure Centre is fantastic news and over the last year it’s been great to see record numbers of visitors, showing how much the local community values using the centre to stay healthy and active. “I’m delighted we have secured the centre’s future by extending the council’s contract with Places Leisure, ensuring that people in Norwich will have access to these important facilities for years to come.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eA7NjhDB

Green light for multi-million pound redevelopment of Dundonald International Ice Bowl. 🟢 Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has given the green light to a multi-million pound #redevelopment at Dundonald International Ice Bowl at a full Council meeting. Councillors agreed to invest £52 million in the project over the next three years. The UK Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has already pledged £12.2 million in financial support. Pictured below is a CGI of the new facility. The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, councillor Andrew Gowan, said: “Dundonald International Ice Bowl is a major tourist attraction in #NorthernIreland, bringing more than half a million people to Dundonald every year since opening in 1986. As the only Olympic-sized ice rink in Northern Ireland and on the island of Ireland, it is the training home for the Belfast Giants and provides unique facilities for elite ice skaters to develop their talents. “After 37 years, the building is no longer fit for purpose. Today’s announcement means we will see an exciting new leisure facility open to the public in 2026. We expect visitor numbers to rise to over 700,000 in the first year. During #construction, the existing ice bowl will remain open for business with full access to all activities. “This flagship facility will help to grow our economy regionally, create #jobs and enhance tourism within the LCCC area and greater Belfast. It will also contribute to local regeneration and support inclusion and equality of access to important health and wellbeing activities locally. The Council’s ambitious capital programme also includes proposals for further development at Lough Moss and Laurelhill with works commenced on 3G pitches, Hilden Primary School, Wallace playpark and Royal Hillsborough public realm. “In less than three years’ time, local people and visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond will be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art leisure facility with an Olympic-sized ice rink; a 24-lane bowling alley; 100-station gym; community rooms; restaurant and coffee shop. We are committed to ensuring this is a positive experience for everyone and have carefully considered access arrangements. The new facility will include changing place facilities and a full range of accessible equipment supporting people to enjoy the gym, ice and bowling. We anticipate that works will commence later this year and I am excited to see this project progress.” Source: News Letter Belfast #WeFormCareers

We are already seeing mass closures of leisure facilities nationwide and this is likely to get worse with the huge costs that will need to be paid to rectify the substandard concrete used in our schools and public facilities. Whilst not a silver bullet, better procurement would certianly help bring costs down, and may even help keep these essential services from being lost forever. A recent small example of this was a leisure centre contacted us needing some spare parts for their existing lockers, we identified the correct parts, sent the quote and awaitied the order. Having heard nothing, a member of my sales team contacted the centre only to be told that they had to buy the parts from a contracted supplier at almost four times the price we were charging. The concept of buying everything on a contract from a small number of companies may seem to make sense, but there are massive downsides in product expertise, value for money and a sites ability to support local business and employment. These centres are for us, paid for by us and are hubs of our communities, This effects all of beacuse you'll miss them when they are gone. Get out there have a swim, visit the gym and support these great community assets. #supportleisure #procurement #leisureindustry #buylocal #saveourleisurecentres #commonsense #lockers #sustainability #refurbishment

Week 10: Building Fort Wayne's first climbing gym | Summit City Climbing Co The team processed the red flags. Red flags don't mean to stop the project. They tell us to stop and look both ways for danger before we proceed. We unanimously chose to move forward. We are committed to building a rock climbing gym for Fort Wayne to build community, get physically fit, and challenge themselves with dope sends. There's no turning back. Deposits are made and leases are being signed. Another decision the team made was to go with Team Goat in orange! The Reusser team did an awesome job building our brand. It's one the team and the community can rally around. The architectural designs are finalized. As we hashed out the detailed financials with the general contractor, we chose to take away the training area. To add a Kilter board and campus board would cost an additional $67,000. We decided that we could phase that into the project, but needed to focus on the main thing for now - exquisite climbing for Fort Wayne, IN. Additionally, we chose to reduce the amount of space leased. We decided against adding on another 1,300 sqft of open co-working space. This would have cost $42,000 and can be phased out as we focus on the main thing. Having the extra space also gives us the capability to host birthday parties or corporate events. It's just enough to make the space feel bigger too. The next month is going to be a whirlwind once we start renovations and construction of the walls. We're taking the weekend to celebrate and rest. Winter 2023, we're coming for you. ___ Hey there! I want to lead with transparency. I'm building in public to invite you on the wild ride of entrepreneurship. Please give advice in the comments, learn from my mistakes, and dream on.

FAQ: "Can I have a gym installed in my basement?" Whether it is possible to install a gym in your London basement is reliant on several factors, which encompass local regulations and the unique characteristics of your property. Here are some aspects to bear in mind: * Planning Permission: In some cases, you may need planning permission from your local council to make significant changes or renovations to your property, including converting your basement into a gym. However, smaller changes like adding exercise equipment may not require planning permission. * Building Regulations: Building regulations in London ensure that safety and structural standards are met. Converting a basement into a gym may require compliance with these regulations, particularly if you're making structural changes, altering utilities, or adding ventilation. * Listed Buildings: If your property is a listed building or located within a conservation area, there may be additional restrictions and requirements for any alterations or renovations. * Neighbourhood Covenants: Some neighbourhoods may have specific covenants or homeowners' association rules that dictate what you can and cannot do with your property. * Safety and Ventilation: Proper ventilation and safety considerations are essential for a gym. You'll need to ensure that there's adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and that the space is safe for exercising. * Utilities and Permits: Depending on the equipment you plan to install, you may need to make changes to your electrical or plumbing systems. These changes may require permits and compliance with safety standards. To determine whether you can have a gym in your basement, it's advisable to consult with your local council or Ashdene Builders who can assess your specific situation, provide guidance on local regulations, and help you navigate the necessary permits and approvals! 020 7207 1556 info@ashdene-builders.co.uk #ashdenebuilders #BasementGym #HomeGym #DIYFitness #GymRenovation #HomeWorkoutSpace #FitnessAtHome #BasementFitness #GymMakeover #ExerciseRoom #HomeGymDesign #BasementTransformation #BuildYourGym #WorkoutSpace #HomeFitnessGoals

Major new plans aim to deliver a healthy future for ageing #LeedsLeisureCentre site. A popular but ageing leisure centre site could be transformed into a state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing hub under exciting plans announced by #LeedsCityCouncil. The council has had long-standing ambitions for #FearnvilleLeisureCentre in #Gipton to be replaced with a facility that is fit for the 21st century. This could soon become a reality, with good progress being made towards identifying funding for a scheme that would deliver a significant boost to communities facing sizeable social and economic challenges. The council’s plans would see a new wellbeing centre being built on part of the #KingGeorgeVPlayingFields, a 28-acre green space that is home to the current #Fearnville facility. Indoor amenities would include a large main swimming pool, learner pool, sports hall, fitness studios, spin room and a 120-station gym as well as a community café and adventure play area. Major improvements would also be made to Fearnville’s outdoor offer, with an all-weather pitch, tennis courts, skatepark and play zone among the proposed features https://lnkd.in/etQWgkfy #LeedsNews #LeedsStar #LeedsStarNewspaper #LeedsCityCouncil #VisitLeeds #LeedsCity #Leeds

Step into the World of Convenience and Connection at Our Club Space. Parents of today's day and age, the juggle of work, commitments, and the constant quest to provide the best for our little ones. In a gated community, we're not just talking about a Club House; we're talking about a place where your kids can dive into a world of sports, fun, and friendships—all within the safety of our community boundaries. As parents, we've become busier than ever. Racing against time to be there for every soccer match, dance recital, or swimming lesson can sometimes feel like an Olympic feat itself. That's where Club houses steps in, not just as a recreational spot, but as a network for your kids. Imagine your little ones engaging in various sports and activities, building friendships, all while you take a breather from the guilt of not being able to whisk them off to every single event. Club Houses are not just about amenities; it's about creating a community within our community, where your kids can flourish, make friends, and have a blast—all while you have peace of mind.