Warm Space Remain group vow to fight on to save sauna and steam room at Diss Leisure Centre
Campaigners have welcomed the news that a new sauna and steam room could be on the cards for Diss.
South Norfolk Council announced on Diss Leisure Centre’s website that it was exploring options for the facilities in the town.
It follows complaints about the existing sauna and steam room at the leisure centre, in Victoria Road, being axed as part of a £4 million refurbishment project, which is now under way.
Campaigners from the Warm Space Remain group, set up to fight the move, have welcomed the news – but vowed to keep up the fight for it to be built at the centre.
Ian I’Anson, spokesman for the group, said: “We met the council last week and they did mention that they were looking into options. Though we welcome this, we would still like to see these facilities retained at the leisure centre.
“They gave us all sorts of figures for usage and costing, which I didn’t feel added up. They said that only six people a day were using the sauna, but, from personal experience, I would put the figure more at 120.
“They also said it would cost around £100,000 to build and then £16,000 to run. I think these figures are hugely exaggerated to suit their end game, which seems to be to build a swim centre.
“Apart from people using the sauna for itself, lots of people, including myself, like to use it between swimming sessions. Elderly people also like to use it to warm up before their swim. It is highly valued by the community.
“I cannot see the new viewing area being used that much, so this could definitely be reduced to fit in a sauna and steam room. Our research shows these can be built for around £8,000 each, so I don’t know how they come up with the figures they have.”
The campaigners have launched a petition to retain the sauna and steam room at the centre, which now has 80 signatures. They claim there has been a lack of consultation.
South Norfolk Council is revamping the leisure centre using a £1.2 million Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant from central government.
It includes a shallower swimming pool to increase efficiency, an improved spectator seating area, bigger and revamped changing rooms, and new solar panels, an air-source heat pump and insulation to reduce running costs and make the centre more energy efficient.
Graham Minshull, who represents Diss and Roydon on the district council, said the authority had to make the funding application quickly to secure the grant, and changing plans at this stage could jeopardise the money.
On the centre website, it states “there are many reasons” for dropping the sauna and steam room. These include “prioritising and maximising” space for a new layout for the changing rooms, and high running costs.
A council spokesman added: “Current plans for the refurbished centre do not include a gym or sauna and steam provision. However, this is being reviewed, with options being explored for the recently purchased John Grose site, along with other development opportunities within the town.”
