A brand new soft play facility is being built at North Herts Leisure Centre on Baldock Road following a public consultation.
Over 1,000 people responded to our survey in August, with overwhelming support for the proposal, which will have a toddler and junior area, plus provision for parties. There will also be seating and refreshments available.
The new facility will be an extension of the centre and convert two of the four squash courts and changing rooms located in the same area. While we appreciate this will lead to a reduction in the number of squash courts and changing space available, the remaining two squash courts and changing rooms offer adequate provision based on usage data.
91% of respondents to the survey either strongly agreed or were inclined to agree that the proposal would be a positive addition to the facilities at North Herts Leisure Centre. 66% of respondents indicated that their family would be likely to use a soft play facility at the leisure centre at least fortnightly, or more frequently.
Councillor Steve Jarvis, Executive Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “Introducing a soft play facility at North Herts Leisure Centre will enhance the range of leisure facilities on offer, providing a dedicated play space for families with toddlers and young children within the local area.
“The new facility will increase usage at the centre and therefore generate additional income for the site, aiding the financial recovery of leisure after the Covid pandemic, a sound investment in our leisure portfolio for the benefit of all residents in the future.”
Lee Medlock, Operations Director from Stevenage Leisure Ltd (SLL), which manages the council’s leisure facilities on the council’s behalf, added: We are delighted to be working in partnership with North Herts Council on this exciting project, which will increase the range of activities on offer to our community. We are confident that the addition of the soft play facility to North Herts Leisure Centre will provide a fun and exciting opportunity for children to play and increase their physical activity levels.”
The soft play facility is due to open for the Easter holidays next year and will cost £250k, with £100k being reallocated from the planned refurbishment of the changing rooms which will now be part of the conversion.
There is also a new slide and squirting snake in the children's pool at North Herts Leisure Centre – check them out: Pool timetable
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