Car parking extension sees 52 new spaces at Active4Today sports and fitness centre

Extra parking at Newark Sports and Fitness Centre has been created to meet demand from increasing numbers of visitors.

Fifty-two new spaces, including six disabled parking bays, have been added to the carpark, off Bowbridge Road, Newark, increasing the number of spaces to 228.

Since the centre opened in 2016, the number of adult members has increased from more than 2,000 to now approaching 5,000.

A dramatic upsurge in members, combined with the opening of the first phase of the YMCA Sports and Community Village next door, has led to the increase.

The new parking spaces are next to the existing carpark with a one-way link through to the original spaces.

Mr Roger Jackson, chairman of the leisure and environment committee at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The centre is regularly used by local schools for swimming classes and the existing carpark was becoming congested at least twice a day during peak times.

“The whole site is a real asset to the community and an extension to the parking facilities at the centre was essential to continue meeting the demand and rising visitor numbers.”

The centre replaced the previous Grove Leisure Centre, Balderton, and facilities include an 850sq metre fitness suite, which is around 2½ times larger than the one at the former centre.

It also has a 25metre swimming pool, a 20metre teaching pool, a four badminton court sports hall, two group exercise studios, two glass-backed squash courts and family-friendly changing facilities.

The carpark extension supports the council’s long-term plan of developing the site for housing and leisure.

Gladstone House, a housing development for older people, including those with extra care needs, was opened in April last year next to the sports centre.

It was developed in partnership between the district council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Newark and Sherwood Homes, and Homes England.

The state-of-the-art complex has 60 purpose-built units over three levels, including 40 extra-care apartments.

Facilities include communal areas, rooms designated for activities, a sensory garden and commercial kitchen.

Truly Coffee, a coffee shop, and Truly Beauty, a beauty salon offering a range of hairdressing and beauty services, are at the front of Gladstone House and is open to the public.