Haddington: Aubigny Sports Centre hall to close for works

The hall in Aubigny Sports Centre is expected to be shut for up to six weeks from October 23.

Bill Axon, chief executive of enjoyleisure, stressed that the works would not impact on the pool, gym, dance studio or cafe, which would all remain open to the public.

He said: “Firstly, I want to apologise to our customers for the late notice; however, this was due to the availability of external contractors.

“In spite of this, the temporary closure is necessary to replace and upgrade the heating system, which will reduce annual maintenance costs, increase efficiency and mitigate having to cancel classes this winter, due to low temperatures in the hall.”

At the beginning of last month, East Lothian Council revealed plans to expand the sports centre on the town’s Mill Wynd.

The main hall of the Aubigny Sports Centre will temporarily close for 'essential' maintenance work

Demand to use the facilities at the building, which opened in 1974, has increased alongside the expansion of the town.

A planning application to extend the centre – at the expense of five trees – to the north is being weighed up by the local authority.

Drawings included with the application show the extension would be to the rear of the swimming pool changing rooms.

Mr Axon was hopeful the latest works would be complete as soon as possible.

READ MORE: Haddington: Plans revealed to extend Aubigny Sports Centre gym

He said: “As a leisure charity, we know how much our customers and communities value and benefit from the facilities and services offered at Aubigny Sport Centre, which is why we have done everything in our power to keep the closure time to a minimum.

“The difficulty as always is deciding when best to close a community facility to minimise the impact for our users and customers, however, there is never a good time.

“Be assured we are endeavouring to ensure that all advance bookings during the closure period can be relocated.

“Nevertheless, this is another notable example of both enjoyleisure and our partners East Lothian Council, investing into the future of local leisure facilities for our communities health and wellbeing, especially at a time when such provision across the country is facing increased financial challenges.”