It’s over to you: Rasen’s new £6.3m centre opens to public

The state-of-the-art facility in Gainsborough Road is a cornerstone in West Lindsey District Council’s proactive strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the area.

Councillors and representatives from operator Everyone Active attended an opening ceremony on Saturday, July 25.

WLDC leader Giles McNeill, district council chairman Coun Steve England and West Lindsey councillors for Market Rasen Cordelia McCartney, Stephen Bunney and John McNeill were given a tour of the new facility by centre manager Chris 
Duncan.

Coun Cordelia McCartney said: “This is a fantastic facility for Market Rasen and the surrounding area, post-lockdown it is important for people to be able look after their physical and mental wellbeing and the new leisure centre will support this.”

Work to build the 18,300 square foot leisure centre began last summer and has taken just over 12 months to complete.

Local councillors praised developers Morgan Sindall for its safe and efficient delivery of the project, despite the operational challenges posed by the site and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The centre features 40 pieces of Technogym cardio and strength equipment, plus a modern spin studio with 15 Kaiser cycling bikes.

There is also space and connectivity to allow instructors to deliver virtual classes to residents looking to pursue a healthier lifestyle from home.

Team sports and group activities are well-served by a 7,400 square foot sports hall and an external 3G all-weather pitch, while gym users will also have access to modern changing areas, currently limited to seven users at a time to adhere to social distancing rules.

Coun Giles McNeill added: “This new centre has a superb quality of finish and is a credit to the team involved.

“We hope that people will make use of this excellent facility.”

Speaking at Market Rasen Town Council’s virtual full council meeting on July 22, Coun Stephen Bunney said a special guest would officially open the leisure centre later in the year, when it is safe to hold a big opening 
event.

Coun Bunney said: “It’s [the leisure centre] going to be on a restricted booking system but as time goes on and they get up and running… it will be open for further sports 
etc.

“They’re also opening Gainsborough [leisure centre] at the same time so they’re going to learn how to keep group activities safe.

“The official opening will be later in the year and there will be an official guest opening [the centre] when there can be a big event.

“We’re keeping an eye on the safety angle.”

If you are interested in using Market Rasen Leisure Centre you can find more information and join up at: everyoneactive.com/centre/market-rasen-leisure-centre/