Diss Leisure Centre Revamp

1. When will the Leisure Centre be closed?

The centre will be closed from Monday 12 February 2024 to December 2024 

2. How long will Diss Leisure Centre be closed for?

It is estimated it will be a 40–42-week closure (9 ½ month closure) 

3. What work will be carried out during the closure? 

The improvement and refurbishment work will see: 

• The swimming pool depth reduced, a full re-tiling of both main and learner pool and surrounds 
• Total refurbishment of the changing rooms, including expanding the size of the area  
• The removal of the gym to open a large viewing area and the removal of both the sauna and the steam rooms to allow for a new shower area 
• Insulation of the building, solar panels, and air source heat pumps 

4. Why have you decided to shallow the main pool? 

The shallowing of the pool is essential as it: 

• Ensures we keep up with safety and operational pool guidelines 
• Ensures we can replace the ageing water inlets and outlets 
• Will reduce running cost of the pool including heating, chemical treating, and water usage of the pool 
• Ensures we have a more sustainable pool 

5. Why have you decided to remove the sauna and steam rooms? 

 There are many reasons: 

• We have had to prioritise and maximise the space for a new layout of the changing rooms, because of this we are having to move the shower area to where the existing sauna and steam are currently located 
• There are also high running costs associated with both sauna and steam rooms, with the increased cost of electricity it has become not viable and not sustainable to keep this offering in the new building 
• We want to ensure we have a more sustainable centre 

6. Will the gym be relocated when the centre closes? 

A temporary gym offering is being considered, but currently there has been no decision made. Once a decision has been made, we will notify all members. Any members wishing to use gym facilities can do so at either Long Stratton or Wymondham at a 50% discount. 

7. If there is no gym offering when you reopen, what does that mean for my membership? 

• No decision has been made on a dry side offering at Diss. There are many options that the Council is exploring. Once a decision has been made, we will notify all members to what is happening 
• Any members wishing to use gym facilities can do so at either Long Stratton or Wymondham at a 50% discount 

8. Where can I swim whilst Diss is closed? 

Swimming will be available at Wymondham Leisure Centre for all membership types, including pay as you go. It offers a variety of sessions including lane swimming, all welcome and fun and float. To find out the times please visit our website (link to https://southnorfolkleisure.co.uk/timetables/#wymondham) 

9. My children have swimming lessons at Diss, what happens now? 

• Existing Swim School pupils will be offered options to attend a bespoke Diss Swim School offering at Wymondham Leisure Centre 
• Swim School membership will be discounted by 50% during this period to help cover the costs of travel 
• Classes will be created for just Diss pupils and will run alongside the Swim School that takes place at Wymondham Leisure Centre 
• As much as possible these lessons will be taught by Diss teachers to ensure they have a familiar face 

10. I’m interested in swimming lessons at Wymondham during the closure, how do I apply? 

If you are interested in swimming lessons at Wymondham, you will need to apply through the application form to ensure we can allocate you a space.  This can be completed here: https://forms.office.com/e/05JY536MCV   

11. Can I reserve a swim school place for my children ready for when the centre to reopens? 

Existing Swim School pupils will have the option to freeze their membership. By doing so this will guarantee a space within our swim school when we reopen.  

12. Where can I attend Aqua classes whilst the pool is closed? 

Aqua Fit classes will be available at Wymondham Leisure Centre for all membership types, including pay as you go. Class times can be found here: https://southnorfolkleisure.co.uk/timetables/#wymondham . To book a place visit the website or contact the centre on 01953 607171. Same booking rules apply, members can book up to 14 days in advance and 7 days for pay as you go.   

13. Will there be any fitness offering in Diss whilst the centre is closed? 

• Existing members will be offered the option of utilising Long Stratton and Wymondham Leisure Centre. Membership will be discounted by 50% during this period to help cover the costs of travel 
• We will also be trialling a small class offering in the Diss area for all members to utilise. Days and times TBC 

14. I’m part of Diss Otters and train at Diss, what will happen to our training sessions? 

The centre is working directly with the swimming club to look at all possible relocation options to reduce the impact of the closure. For further information please contact the swimming club directly to discuss what this will mean to training sessions while we are closed.  

15. Will my membership fee reduce during the closure of the centre? 

Existing members will receive a 50% discount rate to continue to use South Norfolk Leisure Centres. This only applies to individuals whose home site is registered as Diss at the time of the announcement of the closure. Discount for all types of membership is below:  

Centre Membership:  

• £36 PCM – Discounted rate £18 PCM  
• £33 PCM – Discounted rate £16.50 PCM  
• £27 P2L PCM – Discounted rate £13.50 PCM  

Swim School:  

• £28 PCM – Discounted rate £14 PCM  

Squad £34 PCM – Discounted rate £17 PCM  

16. I’m not interested in using other venues during the closure, what are my options? 

During the closure current members will have the option to freeze their membership. This means that they pay nothing for the entirety of the closure, this will ensure that no joining fee is needed when re-opening. Alternatively, if you wish to cancel your membership, please let us know by completing the form found here . 

17. I have decided to freeze my membership, how will I know when it restarts?

All members that decide to freeze their membership will be contacted by centre staff prior to reopening to confirm they are happy for their membership to resume. 

18. What are the plans for a dry side/gym offering in the Diss area? 

Several different options are currently being looked at for a dry side/gym facility within the Diss area. Once we have more information this will be communicated to all members.  

19. I’m a member at Diss will my membership card work at other sites? 

Yes, your membership card will work at all South Norfolk Council run leisure facilities.  

20. What other South Norfolk Leisure Facilities are included in my membership? 

• All membership types allow you access to Wymondham, Long Stratton, Kett’s Park and Framingham Earl.  
• Includes the use of the pool (Wymondham only) 
• Gyms (Long Stratton and Wymondham)  
• EGYM (Long Stratton and Wymondham)  
• Classes at all sites.  

To find the nearest centre to you please visit our website: https://southnorfolkleisure.co.uk/ 

21. Do I need to do anything with my membership if I wish to continue to use another centre? 

• No, your membership will automatically be changed to the discounted rate  
• Members who travel to other sites will be expected to complete a centre tour 
• Gym inductions will be offered to any member who wishes to have one 

22. I’m a pay as you go member, what are my options? 

As a pay-as-you-go member you are still able to visit our other sites at Wymondham, Long Stratton, Kett’s Park and Framingham.  

To find out what’s available at each site please visit our website:  https://southnorfolkleisure.co.uk/ 

23. I have an annual membership, and am not interested in going to other venues, what are my options? 

• Those who have an existing annual membership with time owing, can carry on their membership taking advantage of the other sites 
• Alternativity, we can freeze your membership and restart this when the centre reopens. 

24. I have an annual membership and wish to use the other centres during closure, do I receive a discount/incentive?

• Those who have an existing annual membership with time owing can carry on their membership taking advantage of the offer at LSLC & WLC as above and will receive 50% additional time at the end their current membership.  This will be proportional if the membership ends during closure.  For example, during the closure if they have 2 months remaining they will receive 1 month additional. 

25. If I decided to cancel my memberships, what do I need to do? 

You can cancel your membership at any time. Please let us know by completing the form found here. This will also need to be cancelled at the bank.  

26. If I cancel my membership during the closure and then wish to restart again can I get the discounted rate? 

• No, the reduced rate is only offered to those members who continue to use other centres or freeze their membership 
• Those wishing to restart their membership will have to pay full rate 

27. I have an 8-10 swim card, what are my options? 

• These cards can be used at Wymondham Leisure Centre 
• Alternatively, we can freeze these and then restart them when the centre reopens 

28. I have a 10-8 swim card and still have swims on there, can I have a refund? 

Yes, you are entitled to a refund. However, this request will need to be made via email to the following address: Leisure@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk 

29. I have an annual membership and don’t wish to continue to use the other centres or wish to freeze. Am I entitled to a refund? 

Yes, you are entitled to a refund. However, this request will need to be made via email to the following address: Leisure@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk 

30. What will be happening at the John Grose site in Diss?

The council are currently considering options for the John Grose site. We are unable to let you know exact details at the moment.