

Councillors visited Ongar Leisure Centre to see how the £1.3m refurbishment programme is progressing.
Increase energy efficiency
The project, which will provide an additional 5 to 7 years of useful life to the Epping Forest District Council-owned centre, will see the pool plant being completely replaced to increase energy efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. The centre roof is being refurbished, new LED lighting installed and the electrical systems upgraded.
Budget permitting, the pool viewing area will be upgraded to improve the experience for parents watching their children’s swimming lessons.
The project has a tight deadline to ensure that the pool reopens immediately after Christmas although Covid restrictions may have an impact on the final reopening date.

Councillors visited Ongar Leisure Centre to see how the £1.3m refurbishment programme is progressing
Reduce maintenance costs
The visit was hosted by Peter Charman from the council’s Leisure and Car Parking Team with members of the contracts team on hand to answer questions from councillors.
Few Councillors had seen the pool plant room before and many commented on how antiquated it looked. Colin Cunningham from Places Leisure which runs the council’s leisure 4 centres demonstrated just how small and efficient the new plant would be by comparison.
Much-loved community facility
Deputy Leader and Shelly ward councillor, Cllr Nigel Bedford said:
Ongar Leisure Centre is a much-loved community facility in the northern part of our district and it is right that we should invest in the facility.
Not only will the investment increase the life of the centre, but will bring excellent benefits in terms of increased energy efficiency.
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