Steelwork up for Great Yarmouth leisure centre

Steelwork erection is nearing completion on a £26M leisure and sports facility in the East Anglian seaside resort of Great Yarmouth.

Working on behalf of main contractor Morgan Sindall, H Young Structures is erecting 500t of steelwork for the Marine Place Leisure Centre.

According to the Council, the centre will act as a catalyst for further investment as well as being an important community and tourist hub for the promotion of both indoor and outdoor activity.

The project is funded by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, plus £2.5M secured from the Government’s Getting Building Fund, via New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, £1.6M from Sport England, and a further £500,000 from Pooled Business Rates.

Commenting on the use of a steel framing solution for project, Morgan Sindall Senior Contracts Manager John Stedman says: “Steel is the only way to go for this kind of project, primarily because the material can economically form the required long spans.”

The centre is divided into wet and dry zones, both of which contain long-span areas. The wet zone will include a six-lane 25m-long pool with full disabled access, which is suitable for galas and competitions, and has seating for 120 spectators.

There will also be a confidence water area and learner pool with moveable floor, as well as a leisure water hall with fun play features, two water flumes and a splash pad.

The dry area will include a 100-station health and fitness gym and a four-court sports hall.

The Marine Place Leisure Centre is scheduled to open in summer 2022.