Redevelopment of Citadel Leisure Centre gets underway

The initial phase will focus on the Citadel’s roof and facade, marking the start of a programme of works at the popular leisure centre, which is set to benefit from an extensive refurbishment. 

South Ayrshire Council appointed leisure development specialist Alliance Leisure to lead the project to revitalise the centre, which is used by around 300,000 people a year. 

Principal contractor Robertson Construction Central West and architect Holmes Miller are supporting Alliance Leisure. The rest of the design and build team includes Axiom Project Services as project managers and quantity surveyors, WPS as mechanical and electrical engineers, and Struer as structural engineers.

The comprehensive refurbishment will address necessary repair work and introduce new facilities to enhance the user experience and create an inviting destination for play, sports and recreation for both residents and visitors.

Citadel will benefit from a new entrance and reception, new kitchen and servery, new dry change, studios, cafe, spa, family active hub, fitness gym, party rooms and first aid room. Improvements to the wet change area, toilets and existing swimming pools will also be delivered.

Andy McLinden, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central West, said: “Working with Alliance Leisure to support South Ayrshire Council in improving and revamping existing buildings for local communities, the much-loved Citadel Leisure Centre will receive a transformation of its facilities. With the end users in mind, we will ensure that we deliver a thriving community leisure hub that will promote accessible sport and physical activity opportunities for the local community and beyond.”

South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: “I’m pleased that we have a start date for the initial external works at the Citadel. This is the first step towards bringing the building up to modern standards for our customers and sport & leisure members.” 

Jonny Curley, Director for Scotland, Alliance Leisure, said: “We are excited to begin work on the transformation of Citadel Leisure Centre. This project will not only address essential repairs but will also improve the overall visitor experience to create a key leisure and recreation destination for residents and visitors alike.”

Alan Cadger, Project Director at Holmes Miller, added: “The Citadel is a prime example of breathing new life into an existing building to create a vibrant and sustainable hub that enhances the lives of its surrounding community. The original structure has great potential and we’ve been inspired to maintain its well-loved character while modernising its design to cater to the needs of local people.

"Our overarching ambition was to create a recreational space that is accessible to all, where visitors can come together, relax and enjoy the variety of high-quality leisure facilities provided. We look forward to seeing this project come to life in the coming months.”

The project has been secured through the UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, which has proven to be a successful vehicle for delivering leisure transformations across the UK.

Final designs of the new-look centre were revealed in September following planning approval.