One of Fife’s newest leisure centres is celebrating after proving a hit with local customers and national judges, writes Ian Crichton.
More than 370,000 visits have been made to Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre in Glenrothes since opening its doors in July, making an average of 12,000 active residents per week using the facility’s three pools, gym, football pitches, tennis courts and athletics track.
Ed Watson, the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s chief executive, said: “The popularity of the centre with the local community is a great testimony to the quality of facilities and programmes which are being delivered.
“Not only does the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre provide the very best equipment and facilities, but the trust has put in place an experienced team who are delivering a wide variety of programmes to suit all ages and abilities.
“One of the trust’s main objectives is to make leisure opportunities more accessible and affordable for all and the attendance figures prove that we are delivering on that commitment.
“I am delighted with the success of the centre and would thank staff for their hard work and commitment in enhancing customer experience.”
The centre was also recognised by judges at the Scottish Property Awards last month, where the building was highly commended in the Architectural Excellence Awards in the public building category, missing out only to the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.
Alongside the Kirkcaldy leisure centre, the facility is also shortlisted for the title of Civic Building of the Year at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors awards which will be held across the UK in April and May.
Executive committee member and Labour councillor for Lochgelly and Cardenden Mark Hood said: “The Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre is a first class facility and it is quite an accolade to come second to the SSE Hydro. The reception from the local community towards the new facility speaks for itself.
“It’s fantastic news that such a high number of people are using and enjoying the leisure centre to take part in sport and physical activity.”