Leisure development specialist Alliance Leisure is leading the project to revitalise the centre, which is used by some 300,000 people a year. Working alongside Alliance Leisure are architect and principal designer Holmes Miller, and principal contractor Robertson Construction Central West. The rest of the design and build team comprises Axiom Project Services as project managers and quantity surveyors, WSP as mechanical and electrical engineers and structural engineers Struer.

The project has been secured through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) and has long proved a successful vehicle for delivering leisure transformations across the UK. The comprehensive refurbishment will address necessary repair work and will also see the introduction of exciting new facilities to enhance the user experience and create an inviting play, sports and recreation destination for both residents and visitors.

Councillor Brian Connolly, Sport and Leisure Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: “These are exciting times for the Citadel Leisure Centre. I am delighted that a project team has been appointed and we can proceed with plans to revitalise this popular facility. Alliance Leisure has been injecting life into leisure facilities for 25 years and I am confident they can transform the Citadel to ensure it continues to boost the health and wellbeing of locals and visitors for many years to come.”

Jonny Curley, senior business development manager at Alliance Leisure, added: “The redevelopment will provide new and improved facilities that will benefit the community and attract new audiences to ensure Citadel Leisure Centre continues to thrive in the future.”

Andy McLinden, managing director, Robertson Construction Central West, commented: “Working with Alliance Leisure to support the council in improving and revamping existing buildings for local communities, the much-loved Citadel Leisure Centre will receive a transformation of its facilities. With the end users in mind, we will ensure that we deliver a thriving community leisure hub that will promote accessible sport and physical activity opportunities for the local community and beyond.”

Final designs of the new-look centre are due to be released in early 2024.