£1.8m Upgrade Begins at Saltash Leisure Centre

Published On: 16 June 2025Last Updated: 16 June 2025By CornishStuff

Major development work has started at Saltash Leisure Centre today, Monday 16th June, as part of a £1.8 million transformation backed by Cornwall Council.

The project will see the leisure centre upgraded and adapted to bring more community services under one roof, including a new base for the Saltash registrar service, a local safe and well hub, and dedicated space for Cornwall Council staff and members.

A New Look and New Facilities

As part of the upgrade, both wet and dry changing rooms will be fully modernised. A new reception and concierge point will also be installed, alongside a refurbished café and improvements to the public areas.

Despite the extensive nature of the work, the centre will stay open as normal throughout the project. Plymouth-based Obedair Construction has been awarded the contract, with the work expected to finish in early 2026.

Saltash Leisure Centre is operated by GLL, a not-for-profit workers’ cooperative, under the Better brand on behalf of Cornwall Council.

A First for Cornwall

James Curry, GLL’s Head of Service in Cornwall, said:
“Bringing together a range of community services under one roof makes so much sense and we’re delighted to see many months of partnership planning come to fruition.

“A Cornwall first, this community hub model is sustainable, cost-effective and will encourage greater use of the centre’s facilities. Disruption is being kept to an absolute minimum whilst work is underway, and customers are being regularly updated.

“Saltash Leisure Centre has come a long way since its future was cast into doubt during the pandemic. There are now new health and fitness programmes, more school and club usage and an increase in membership numbers.

“Local support has been a gamechanger in this Saltash success story and we’re very grateful to everyone involved in making it happen.”

Backed by Council and Community

Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning, Sarah Preece, said:
“This investment from Cornwall Council will help safeguard the future of the leisure centre and provide local people with better access to vital services.

“It’s a really innovative model and I’m looking forward to seeing the works progress.”

The Mayor of Saltash, Rachel Bullock, added:
“As someone who uses the leisure centre regularly, I know just how valued it is by people and schools in Saltash and beyond.

“This investment is great news, and I’m delighted to see Cornwall Council, GLL and Saltash Town Council working together to deliver something with lasting benefits for health and community life.”