Sports centre to close in June to make way for schools development

Culverhay Sports Centre will be closing its doors in June as part of plans for two new schools at the site on Rush Hill in Bath.

Draft plans for improvements to the Odd Down Sports Ground as part of the project will be unveiled for public consultation in the spring.

These would include state-of-the-art facilities such as a new gym and fitness spaces, padel tennis courts and the creation of walking trails around the playing fields perimeter.

The investment is part of the planned closure of Culverhay Sports Centre to enable work to start on constructing two new Department of Education Free Schools on the existing site.

One will be a 120-place Special School and the other a 55-place Alternative Provision School.’

Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services at B&NES Council, said: “We are working with the Department of Education to develop Free Schools on the Culverhay site, the scheme is still in its early stages.

“Eventually the schools will provide education for young people who need support and won’t have to go out of the area for their education.”

Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for adult services, added: “As part of the scheme the council is also investing in improved fitness and wellbeing facilities.

“The old sports centre at Culverhay needs to close ahead of work to develop two schools. Following consultation and subject to planning and funding approval we want to enhance the facilities at Odd Down.”

Culverhay Sports Centre, which has been operational since the 1990s, currently functions in the evenings and partially on weekends, and the council says it has now reached the end of its viable lifespan.

GLL, the not-for-profit social enterprise operating under the Better brand, manages leisure centres across Bath and Keynsham on behalf of the council.

The sports centre is set to close its doors on Saturday 28th June.

Barnaby Rich, GLL Partnership Manager for B&NES, said “Our vision for Odd Down includes significantly enhanced availability throughout the week, thereby increasing sports and activity options for residents.

“Health and fitness members at Culverhay Sports Centre will have access to all our UK centres and can continue their fitness routines at our Bath or Keynsham leisure centres at no extra cost.

“Additionally, we plan to run some of Culverhay’s ongoing classes at Odd Down Sports Ground to reduce the necessity for extra travel.

“Once the Odd Down redevelopment is complete, former Culverhay Sports Centre members will be welcomed to a new, modern, and fit-for-purpose facility.”

To ensure the continuity of sporting activities, sports clubs currently using Culverhay Sports Centre will be offered alternative booking options across the leisure centre network.

This initiative is aimed at minimising disruption and maintaining community sports engagements.