The sports hall at Wantage Leisure Centre, a prominent community hub, has received a major refurbishment following widespread concerns over its previous condition.
Frequent users of the hall had long expressed frustrations over wear and tear, such as damaged surfaces and faded court lines. In August, the facility’s floor was sanded, line markings were renewed, and a tough sealant was applied to extend the lifespan of the flooring by at least five years.
Facility Upgrade
The refurbishment addressed additional concerns, including the correction of slightly misaligned netball court lines and the adjustment of movable nets. Walls in the sports hall have been repainted in vibrant blue, adhering to Sport England guidelines.
The project, part of a broader improvement plan, had a total cost of £24,984. It was partially financed by £17,334 in Section 106 developer contributions designated for upgrading local community facilities. Previous upgrades had already seen the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting.
Mark Coleman, deputy leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council, praised the enhancements, highlighting the benefits these improvements will bring to sports enthusiasts. “This is great news for users of this popular sports hall. Thanks to the revamp, racquet sports, basketball, and netball will be a much-improved experience,” he stated.
Future Upgrades
The council has outlined further plans to enhance the leisure centre. Upcoming projects include a refurbishment of the swimming pool changing rooms and the commencement of a multi-million-pound energy-saving initiative. This comprehensive project will impact both Wantage Leisure Centre and the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre.
The energy-saving initiative will feature upgrades such as new windows, air source heat pumps, solar panels, external wall insulation, and enhanced insulation. These improvements aim to lower the council’s overall carbon emissions by over 25 per cent, with a completion date set for March 2025.
Resident Feedback
Prior to the upgrades, many Wantage residents voiced frustration over the deteriorating state of the leisure centre. Complaints included roof leaks in the sports hall, with one resident remarking in March 2023: “The state of Wantage Leisure Centre is appalling.”
These renovations directly address previous complaints, showcasing the council’s renewed commitment to improving Wantage’s community facilities.
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