He once stepped in to help broker the deal that secured it and now MP Steve Barclay has been to see for himself how Littleport’s new leisure centre turned out.
When workmen started the new school and leisure centre contract in January 2016 it was only after Mr Barclay had secured an 11th hour compromise to allow access.
Early in 2015 the whole scheme, which includes both a new secondary and a special school as well as a leisure centre, looked to be in jeopardy as Littleport Leisure Trust and the parish council were at an impasse over who would run the new leisure centre
Mr Barclay brought about a compromise between the two sides.
The multi-million pound development project is set to become a central hub for the community, said the MP.
He said: “The new complex boasts excellent sports facilities as well as a café, bar and function rooms alongside a new outside patio area.
“The first floor houses a large studio for dance, gymnastics and children’s soft play.
“There is also a large multi-purpose meeting room which can be hired for workshops, seminars and other group activities.”
Councillor Christine Ambrose-Smith said: “Our community is so very lucky to be able to have this marvellous facility, which is not only a home for sporting, exercise and healthy living, but also for community use.
“The outside activities which Littleport Leisure has hosted in the past are planned to continue, the Trike Fest, the Fun Day, caravan meets alongside many other new events.”
The £40 million school and leisure complex in Littleport was built by Morgan Sindall.
The company said it spent the first seven months working on the ground which was formerly a farmer’s field. It was only in July of last year “we put the first bit of steel in the ground. One thousand, two hundred rods have gone into the ground to make the foundations solid”.
The four-form entry secondary school, Littleport Academy, will initially cater for 600 pupils aged 11 to 16, with the potential to accommodate 750 pupils in the future.
A special school on the same site will cater for 110 pupils and includes a hydrotherapy pool for swimming therapy programmes.
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