Council commissions gym to help residents fight battle of the bulge

Ryedale District Council plans to build the complex with a 35-station unit at its Pickering swimming pool.

In Ryedale, the level of childhood obesity is four per cent higher than the national average. Phil Long, RDC’s head of environment, says the original scheme price of £220,000 has increased because of the need to upgrade heating, lighting, ventilation, provide energy metering, and replace existing windows and rooflights.

Run by Community Leisure Ltd on the council’s behalf, the development has the potential to “kick-start” further developments, says Mr Long, that would increase its use by tourists and residents.

A rock scrambling and adventure park could be built as part of a second phase development, at the rear of the pool, together with a summer outdoor splash pool and even an artificial beach to link to the pool.

“The gym will increase income and efficiency at the pool and any surplus money would be re-invested to enhance the quality of sport and leisure facilities and to reduce the cost of the service,” says Mr Long in a report which goes before the Council next Monday.

The gym will have facilities for classes in dance, indoor cycling, yoga pilates and other activities, says Mr Long.

Meanwhile the council has set up a group to study the health of its residents and put forward ideas to keep them fitter.