01/11/07 - Byron Park Gets £36m Facelift

A brand-new, 21st century leisure complex and a facelift for Byron Park are at the heart of a £36 million package of investment in leisure for local people planned by Harrow Council.

And the best thing for Harrow Council taxpayers is that it will all come without a price tag.

What is being seen by the council as one of its biggest investments in the future of Harrow and its residents will be discussed by leading councillors at a meeting of the council’s Cabinet next week (8th November).

The proposed package, which will be paid for by the sale of council-owned land for much-needed new homes, will include:

*A new leisure and sports complex to replace the 40-year-old Harrow Leisure Centre

*An enhanced Byron Park with a new skateboarding park for young people

*A new leisure centre and library at Hatch End

*A new community centre to replace the ageing Byron Hall

*The relocation of Gayton Road library to a new, more central site

*The release of land for a large number of affordable homes

Draft plans for the new leisure centre includes a café and piazza, a 6-lane competition swimming pool, a multi-purpose sports hall, a gym with all the latest fitness equipment and a crèche. Around a fifth of all energy used will come from renewable sources and eco-friendly materials will be uses throughout the new building.

Local people and clubs will be involved from the start in making decisions about what they want to see in the new facilities across Harrow.

  Cllr. Chris Mote, Leader of Harrow Council, said: "This is a great deal for residents of Harrow. Not only are they going to get some of the best facilities in London but they won’t have to pick up the bill.

"In fact, by managing our land assets well and by saving money on our running costs, there will be something like £1 million saved to plough back into services and keeping the council tax low.''

  Cllr. Anjana Patel, Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services, added: "This will give residents leisure facilities that are fit for the 21st century.

"These fantastic buildings will give access to new facilities for all our local communities, as well as creating more chances for young people to take part in sports and leisure.

"This will cement our vision to create a vibrant cultural and leisure life in Harrow.''