The brand new Burnholme Sports Centre will open in York in January 2020. Lack of progress in improving facilities on the west of York has been criticised

The new £2.5million centre is part of a major community development in east York delivered by City of York Council and operated by GLL.

“The new centre is a bright, modern space, with a great range of facilities. It sits alongside and complements a new community hub and Explore library, a care home currently under construction and plans for 100 much-needed homes on the site”.

The Council approach to this facility in east York (and the nearby new Monk Cross sports centre which opens next year) contrasts with its policy of closing sports facilities in west York.

That policy has seen the football pitches at Lowfields built on, the all weather sports area on Kingsway West removed and a bowling green on Front Street closed during the last year.

None of those facilities have been replaced locally despite Council promises to the contrary.

The facilities at the existing Better Sports centre on Cornlands Road are inaccessible for many people living in the area because of high entrance charges. The Westfield area is statistically the poorest in the City

The Burnholme centre features a 25 station gym with the latest Technogym equipment and two studios which will offer an extensive range of instructor-led and virtual classes including Group Cycle.

The four-court sports hall will host a wide programme of sports activities including badminton and gymnastics.

The existing outdoor 3G will also be managed from the new centre with new changing rooms and referees’ facilities available, while the levelled and re-seeded grass pitches will be ready for use in early autumn.

The centre will open on Wednesday 8 January 2020 for existing members and new members.

Membership for the new centre will start at just £29.95 a month which includes unlimited access to the gym and fitness classes. Opening offers are available exclusively to customers who register their details in advance.

For more information about Burnholme Sports Centre or to register your details for the exclusive membership offers please visit better.org.uk/burnholme

Tim Bestford, head of service for GLL, said: “We’re delighted to be operating this fantastic new centre in York under the Better brand, on behalf of our partners City of York Council. We’re looking forward to welcoming our first customers next month.

Councillor Darryl Smalley, executive member for leisure and culture for City of York Council said: “I’m delighted that the Burnholme Sports Centre will open in the new year. This brilliant new £2.5m facility will help residents to become and keep fitter than ever!