Final proposals for a £10million joint public and private sector project to provide new leisure centres in Uttlesford has been approved by Uttlesford District Council.

In a special meeting held on February 27, the Leisure PFI Scheme was given the go-ahead for centres to be built at Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form Centre in Great Dunmow and Mountfitchet High School in Stansted Mountfitchet.

It was also agreed that refurbishments were to take place at the Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure Centre in Saffron Walden.

The new sports centre for Dunmow will cost £5million and includes a pool and fitness suite, while Stansted Leisure will cost £2million and includes a sports hall and a gym.

Upgrading the Lord Butler Leisure Centre will cost £870,000 to extend the fitness suite, dance studio and general refurbishment.

Councillor Rodney Copping, Joint Chairman of the Board responsible for the project said 'the leisure scheme will provide significantly improved leisure facilities within Uttlesford'.

He said: "We can now work in partnership with the Governors of the Helenas Romanes School and Sixth Form Centre, Mountfitchet High School and Essex County Council respectively to ensure that the contracts are signed as soon as possible."

Published Tuesday, March 5, 2002