7 November 2007- NEGOTIATIONS are underway between Harrogate Borough Council and Ripon City Council, which will result in a major investment in leisure facilities for the city.

 

The two councils are in the early stages of concluding agreed terms for a further jointly funded capital investment into Ripon Leisure Centre's fitness facilities.

 

The centre is currently owned by Ripon City Council, but managed under agreement by Harrogate Borough Council. 

 

The new investment at the Ripon Leisure Centre will see an enlarged fitness suite created with the capacity to increase members by over 200.  This will enable the Borough Council to maintain the Leisure Centre facility into the future without the need for the City Council to contribute to the annual running costs for the site.

 

It is intended that the freehold interest in the building will transfer to the Borough Council, which will allow the City Council to free up investments that can then be used to improve or provide other leisure facilities.

 

Ripon City Councillor, and Independent Group Leader at Harrogate Borough Council, Councillor Andrew Williams said:  "We are pleased that the Borough Council has agreed to our request.  The bond the City Council invested to support our interest in the Leisure Centre can now be ploughed back into Ripon for various ventures.

 

Backing the plans, Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for Resources at the Borough Council, said:  "This investment in fitness facilities for the people of Ripon demonstrates our ambition to improve sporting and cultural facilities across the district.

 

"Continued sound financial management in the delivery of cultural services is allowing this council to make these commitments despite the prospect of difficult financial settlements from the Government.  Where new investment clearly improves the quality of life for residents, and a sound financial case can be made, we will continue to invest in these services." 

 

Discussions have been taking place for sometime now and it is hoped that formal agreements will be reached by the end of the year. ENDS

 

FURTHER INFORMATION: is available from Councillor Andrew Jones on 07720 717463, Councillor Andrew Williams on 07793 552710. Further technical information is available from Mr Tony Stephens, Head of Leisure Museums and Arts on 01423 556732.