Hood Park Leisure Centre is set to change its name to Ashby Leisure Centre & Lido – raising the profile of the town and the development of its sports facilities.

A day-long programme of events will be held on Saturday (July 10) to celebrate the change of name, the £1.2million redevelopment of the site and the launch of the Ashby-by-the-Sea brand, which relates to the lido element of the centre.

A dynamic full day of 34 taster session activities, featuring fitness classes, play sessions and sports activities, will commence from 7am.

The official opening will take place at 11am, which will be led by two-times Commonwealth Games swimming gold medallist Ross Davenport, supported by Derby County FC women's captain, Hannah Ward.

The two celebrities will then take part in the activity programme, which will include Ross rolling back the years and racing against four members of Coalville Swimming Club in the lido.

The change of name comes after 36 years of being known as Hood Park Leisure Centre.

The facility is run on behalf of North West Leicestershire District Council by award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active and contract manager, Duncan Gibb, believes the change of name and introduction of the Ashby-by-the-Sea branding will raise the centre's profile in the region.

He said: "The lido element of the facility opened in 1929, with the leisure centre being added in 1985.

advertisement

"The facilities take their name from Sir Joseph Hood, who bequeathed the land to the town for recreational and leisure purposes.

"However, over time it has become evident that people from outside the area aren't aware of it due to there being little clue in the name.

"The new name not only tells people where the facility is, it also highlights the fact that it has a lido, which is important, given it is the last remaining public lido in the East Midlands.

"We are really excited to hold this official launch and believe our day of activities and celebrity involvement will prove the ideal way to celebrate with the whole community."

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, added: "Our work to modernise and improve our leisure centres, working with Everyone Active, is wide-ranging and it's important that we make sure as many people as possible know about the fantastic facilities we have in Ashby.

"The new name will help to put the refurbished centre on the map.

"We know that the outdoor pool is a really important attraction – the lido is one of only a handful in the country and we're really pleased to celebrate it with the new name.

"I'm excited to see the lido open for the public over the summer and hope people will make the most of the facilities now and into the future."

advertisement

For more information on Everyone Active, click HERE.