Two leisure centres in Uttlesford will receive investment to covert underused squash courts into new facilities.

One of two squash courts at Dunmow Leisure Centre will be converted into a state-of-the-art cycling studio thanks to a £90,000 investment.

Meanwhile, in Lord Butler Leisure Centre in Saffron Walden, one of three squash courts will become home to a new virtual reality experience aimed at driving activity in the younger generation - which aims to be an experience families and those of all ages can enjoy together.

Squash is one of many sports and forms of exercise which will continue to be offered at the leisure centres.

However demand for the sport has dropped in recent years both locally and nationally, which has led to the courts becoming significantly underused.

The specialist floor on the courts also means they cannot easily be used for other purposes and sit empty.

The centres have therefore taken the opportunity to enhance their offering.

Leisure centre operator 1Life put forward the plans to repurpose the under-utilised spaces, which were then backed by Uttlesford District Council.

Cllr Petrina Lees, leader of the council, said: "Despite the best efforts of clubs like the Saffron Walden Squash Club, people have turned in greater numbers to other new forms of exercise and to different sports such as the fast-growing game of pickleball which has been added to the offering in the general sports area.

"Whilst maintaining the opportunity to play squash, it makes sense to make better use of the valuable floor space which will help to increase participation and encourage new and young users of our leisure services."

READ MORE

Steve Bambury, chief operating officer at 1Life Management Solutions, added: "We are committed to keeping the community active and ensuring the activities and services are reflective of customer demands and trends, whilst maximising the usage of the facilities."

As well as the squash courts, facilities on offer at Lord Butler Leisure Centre include a gym, swimming pool, toddler pool, sports hall, tennis courts and a creche.

At Dunmow Leisure Centre there is a gym, swimming pool, sports hall, tennis courts, a creche and all-terrain pitches.