Zest

Major cash injection future proofs Zest Centre

The Zest Centre is celebrating this week after receiving a massive £2.7m investment to improve leisure facilities.

The financial boost was approved by councillors at a finance committee meeting following months of preparation by the charity and council officials.

Meeting demand

The cash will be spread across five years as part of a capital funding agreement. The money will be used to modernise the building and develop Zest’s leisure growth plans as well as its commitment to social and environmental challenges.

The Zest Centre is a Grade II listed building with a public swimming pool, library, two gyms and a café and is seen by Sport England as an important asset to support the expected increased demand for swimming facilities over the next 10 years.

Plans include reducing the organisation’s carbon footprint with the introduction of alternative energy sources, the modernisation of changing room facilities for the pool, upgrades to gym and leisure facilities and major roof work to unveil the original vaulted ceiling.

Councillors also approved a new 30-year lease to Netherthorpe and Upperthorpe Community Alliance (NUCA), the charity that runs the Zest Centre. The new lease will make it easier for the charity to attract outside investments as it looks to the future

Zest’s CEO Matt Dean was delighted with the announcement and the support the centre is receiving from Sheffield City Council.

“This has been a long time in the making but we now have an opportunity to invest in a local space that will meet the needs of our community for generations to come. Upperthorpe Baths and Upperthorpe Library have been community assets for over 125 years so, it’s really important we invest in the building and ensure it’s got a bright future ahead.”

Our commitment to equality

Speaking about the charity’s commitment to equality in the community and its dedication to ensuring there is fair opportunity for all, Matt added:

“We cater for the specific needs of our diverse communities. Around 20% of our sessions are ‘women only’, we offer specialist disability swim sessions, and we’re known throughout Sheffield for being an accessible facility.

“Leisure is for everyone and we pride ourselves on providing an offer that caters for those who cannot access more mainstream facilities. This is a friendly space where the community comes together to improve their wellbeing, to learn, to share and to celebrate.”

Office and meeting room hire is also available on site where a range of work, training, health and wellbeing services are delivered to the local community and to people across the city.

A new chapter

Zest’s Chair, Lucy Smith said the announcement and the potential the investment brings to support the local community will make a real difference.

“This investment comes at a crucial time. The Zest Centre is a fantastic resource which is well loved and well used by members of the local community. This decision marks the start of a new chapter but our goal remains the same, to sustain and develop our unique community asset long into the future.”