Closed Huthwaite leisure centre saved from demolition

The closed Huthwaite Leisure Centre was ‘weeks away’ from being knocked to the ground and the site turned into new houses.

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, who became leader of Ashfield District Council last month said he put a ‘stop to it’ as soon as he realised what was to be done to the building on New Street, Huthwaite.

He now plans to put community groups into the centre with free rent.

He said: “We want to work with groups and open it as a community facility.

“We are looking at some community groups going into the centre- there are small organisations and charities crying out for space.

“It has the potential to be a multi-use space and a community asset.

“I really want it open with groups set up as soon as possible.”

It has also been revealed that building costs the council £250 a week, a loss of £12,000 a year even though it stands empty.

Coun Zadrozny said he would rather have community groups in the building paying no rent that the building costing money and remaining empty.

The houses planned by the former Labour administration were intended to either be built by the council or the land sold to developers.

Coun Zadrozny, also leader of the Ashfield Independents said he would rather develop “grot spots” into housing instead of “knocking down a possibly community asset”.

He also said that £100,000 was spent on the building prior to the closure in July last year on a new roof and electrics.

He said it was a “silly idea” to close the centre.

If you are a small charity, business or community group email Coun Zadrozny to register interest at [email protected]