Fitness fans will be able to get their exercise buzz at The Hive in May, when Ely’s new sports centre opens, Spotted in Ely can reveal.
Massive leisure company GLL, who’ll be running The Hive, are advertising for lifeguards and fitness instructors in readiness for the grand opening.
Spotted in Ely has today gained exclusive photographs of how construction is progressing at The Hive, named to reflect Ely’s Fen heritage.
The leisure centre is a “really exciting” addition to the area, East Cambridgeshire’s community services committee chair Cllr David Ambrose-Smith said.
“Residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy facilities including an eight-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, a learner pool with moveable floor, a 120 station gym floor, two activity studios and a four-court sports hall. There will also be a 3G artificial pitch outside.”
The £13.5 million project has been funded by East Cambridgeshire District Council with the help of a £1.5m lottery award from the Sport England Strategic Facilities Fund.
“The fact that this project has been achieved at no additional cost to the tax payer proves East Cambridgeshire District Council’s commitment to provide quality services whilst maintaining a balanced budget,” Cllr Ambrose-Smith added.
Construction began in March last year, carried out by contractor Pellikaan.
Eel catching on the River Ouse dates as far back as pre-Norman times and these eels were commonly caught using baskets made of willow called hives.
An eel hive made from willow has been planted in Cherry Hill Park and forms part of the Eel Trail around the city.
Prices at the new leisure centre are yet to be confirmed.
Once The Hive opens, the existing Paradise Pools will close and are likely to be demolished shortly after to cut down on costs.
The Paradise Centre, however, will remain open.
