Diss Leisure Centre Revamp

Find out all of the information related to the refurbishment here

Diss Leisure Centre has received nearly £4 million for modernisation and refurbishment work. This will secure the future of the leisure centre for years to come, as well as helping us become more energy and cost efficient. The refurbishment includes:

Shallower swimming pool; increasing safety, efficiency and capacity for classes
Improved spectator seating area
Bigger and revamped changing rooms
New solar panels, air source heat pump and insulation – to reduce running costs and make our centre more energy efficient

The centre is now closed for refurbishment until December 2024.

Current plans for the refurbished centre do not include a gym or sauna and steam provision. However, this is being reviewed with options being explored for the recently purchased John Grose site along with other development opportunities within the town.

Your Improved Centre Coming December 2024

Progress Updates

Keep an eye out for updates on the progress of the revamp here.

26 September 2024

We’re pleased to be able to share the latest progress on the refurbishment and improvement works at Diss Leisure Centre. As you may have seen on our Facebook page, the initial phase of improvements is now complete, thanks to a £1.2 million Public Sector Decarbonisation grant.

Key improvements from the first phase:

Installation of air source heat pumps
New building cladding and insulation
Solar panels on the roof

These changes will go a long way to helping eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels to heat the centre and move us closer to the Council’s net zero carbon emissions goal by 2030.

Many councils are cutting back on their leisure provision, but we recognise how important it is to help our residents stay fit and healthy and the second phase of the project to improve the centre is now well underway. This work includes:

Re-tiling the swimming pool area
Reshaping the main pool
Expanding and improving changing rooms
Upgrading the entrance lobby and reception
Installing LED lighting
Adding storage space
Creating a new spectator viewing area and café

This extensive refurbishment is designed to ensure the long-term viability of the centre as a valued community asset.

Challenges and progress

While the project has been progressing well, we’ve encountered some challenges due to the age of the building and its unique construction. Despite these obstacles, our team has made significant progress, including:

Completing demolition work and pool tank surveys
Finishing partitions to make new public spaces
Installing new mechanical and electrical systems
Preparing the pool tank for renovation
Installing a new air sock and wall linings
Starting floor and wall tiling in the seating area

Additional improvements

We’re also taking advantage of the closure to install a new pool hoist, lifeguard chairs, and additional safety systems.

Unexpected delay

Unfortunately, we have discovered a major issue with the original flooring in the changing area. After careful assessment, we decided that it needed to be completely replaced. While this has caused a delay, we’ve found a solution and are now installing a new, more durable floor.

Revised opening date

Due to this unforeseen issue, the centre will now reopen a little later than expected, in mid-January instead of before Christmas. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Stay updated

We’re excited to welcome you back to our newly renovated centre and will continue to provide updates on our Facebook page.

16 August 24

The refurbishment project is progressing well – here is a quick update on the latest works:

The reception and pool spectator partitions are now in place. Mechanical and electrical engineering is also complete in this area and all supports for the spectator viewing are set.
Staff areas, toilets and other areas of the centre are progressing, with partitions, electrical work and plumbing finished in these areas. Drainage work is 35% complete.
Groundworks and supports are complete, and we have identified an innovative option for the suspended floor in the wet change area. Pool hall and external lighting is also complete.

13 June 24

Work is continuing to progress well on the refurbishment of the centre! Here is a quick update on what’s been happening over the past few weeks:

The ceiling and steels have received their final coat of paint, looking fresh and modern.
A new air sock has been installed, ensuring better air circulation throughout the building.
High-level containment for the electrical installation is now in place.
The new ventilation ductwork has commenced in preparation for our top-notch climate control system.
All internal walls have been demolished, including the full-height wall, to make way for our new glazed screen.

23 June 24

The refurbishment is well underway and making excellent progress! The decarbonisation works, including exterior recladding, solar panel installation, and the switch from gas boilers to electric air source heat pumps, have been successfully completed.

The team are now hard at work on the interior demolition phase. Further investigative surveys have been completed, the pool has been emptied, safety decking has been installed, and rooms are being stripped back in preparation for the next phases. Stay tuned for further updates over the coming weeks!

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Member Options Throughout the Closure

During the closure, members have options to either use our other centres at a discounted rate or to freeze their membership.

South Norfolk Leisure Members – for Diss Centre members at the time of closure only

Direct Debit members:

50% discount

Pay half your monthly rate throughout the closure to use our centres in Long Stratton and/or Wymondham

Freeze membership

No payment throughout closure. No joining fee when re-joining.

Annual memberships / 8-10 swim cards:

You can either carry on with your membership, using Long Stratton and/or Wymondham Leisure Centre, or you can freeze now and reactivate when Diss reopens.

For those who would like to use another centre during the closure, 50% bonus time will be added on to the existing balance of your membership. For example, if you have six months remaining, we will add on three months as bonus time.

Swim School Members

During the closure, we are looking at options for Swim School members to use the facilities, and have lessons at Wymondham Leisure Centre or Harleston Sancroft Academy, or freeze your membership until the reopening.

Use Wymondham Leisure Centre during the closure

£30 pcm – discounted to £15 pcm
Squad £36 pcm – discounted to £18 pcm

Freeze membership

No payment throughout closure

Further information related to the closure can be found in our Frequently Asked Question’s below.

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you are likely to have questions related to the closure of the centre. Our FAQ’s can be found at the link below. If your question is not covered, then please email the centre using the contact information found here.

Frequently Asked Questions