A scheme worth nearly £300,000 to improve a community facility in Harrogate to increase delivery of specialised care programmes has begun this week.
The Fairfax Wellbeing Hub has been running at its capacity for many years, but the £278,397 refurbishment will provide extra exercise space as well as more accessible facilities for users.
The venue offers a wide range of classes supporting both health care needs and group exercise, including falls prevention, rehabilitation for heart and lung conditions as well as classes for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or who have suffered a stroke.
Executive member for leisure, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “This project will create increased opportunities for our community so that we can provide more specialise programmes for people living with long-term health conditions.
“By creating additional exercise areas, we can help more people to manage their conditions in a space that is local, welcoming and, importantly, is accessible. We will help people to move more and live well and feel great.”
Built in June 1990, the current facility has been regularly hosting inclusive sport and social activities as well as exercise classes and it is also used as a base for activity group meetings and local clubs.
The centre has been closed since December with most groups now in alternative venues. It is expected to reopen in September with about 50 sessions a week programmed in the main hall and another 25 new sessions already booked in the new functional space.