‘Outdated’ leisure centre set to be torn down
The demolition of an "uninspiring" Ashfield leisure centre has been given the go-ahead.
Ashfield District Council has approved The Two Counties Trust’s plans to tear down the “derelict” leisure centre within the site of Selston High School, off Chapel Road in the village, as part of a wider school revamp project.
In November 2025, the authority agreed to spend £1 million, investing in sprucing up sports facilities at the high school as a way to make them more accessible to residents in the village.
This pot of cash would go towards a new “high-quality” four-court sports hall with studio space in the first phase of the project.
Then, in February 2026, the trust, which runs the school, confirmed its plans for phase two, including using part of the school’s central courtyard to create a new dining room, kitchen and an upgraded library.
The third phase relates to refurbishing the school’s alternative provision facilities.
Demolishing the current “outdated” leisure centre, which was built in 1974, is part of phase four.
The centre sits away from the other sports facilities and during the Covid-19 pandemic it was closed, only partially re-opening for community use since, which documents say was largely due to the “poor condition” of the space and the high costs needed to upgrade it.
Demolishing the building will allow for relocated staff parking, along with additional parking for the school and community, providing 40 spaces.
Documents say: “It is acknowledged that the demolition and construction phase would result in a degree of temporary noise and disturbance. However, this impact would be limited in duration and can be appropriately controlled.”
The application for the new sports building, including the studios, changing facilities and office facilities is still waiting for Ashfield planners to grant it approval.
The council says a decision on this is due by September 2nd.
The new sports block is proposed for the north-east of the school site, next to the playing field, on one of the existing paved sports pitches.
Five-out-of-six of the current outside playing courts will still be retained.
It is aimed that its creation will provide better community facilities in Selston, allowing residents to use the hall in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays.