Not so fast - some facilities at new leisure centre not available until January

Matt Meade • Published 11 Nov 2011 08:30 29 Comments

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CARNEGIE Leisure Centre will re-open in November - but many facilities will not be accessible until JANUARY next year.

There is currently no programme for fitness classes in place and access to the swimming pool will also be delayed.

And two days after Carnegie 'opens' on 26th November, Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre will close until 3rd January for essential maintenance.

It means those who attend popular classes there, including zumba and spin and body combat, may be unable to attend their regular classes for two months at a time when Fife Sports and Leisure Trust say "more Fifers than ever are using the trust's facilities".

The news comes as Fife Council yesterday (Wednesday) claimed in a press release they were putting the final touches to the gym to "ensure everything is ready in time for opening day".

Andrew Stewart, Fife Sport and Leisure Trust area leisure manager, said, "We have taken the decision to open Carnegie Leisure Centre as soon as possible to allow local people the opportunity to view and access the facilities.

"This means that the 100-station gym, fitted with state-of-the-art Techno Gym equipment, sports hall and squash courts will be available from 26th November.

"We are working hard to have the rest of the facilities, including swimming pool, open for use as quickly as possible.

"By January we will have installed the remaining equipment and have a full complement of qualified staff to deliver a wide range of activities."

He added, "We have 1500 available spaces for our swimming programme, which starts on Sunday 8th January and by 9th January we will have an extensive programme of over 100 fitness classes on offer.

"We would encourage customers to make use of alternative trust facilities at Duloch Leisure Centre, Dalgety Bay Sports and Leisure Centre, Pitreavie Athletics Centre and Bowhill Swimming Pool until Carnegie is fully open."

However, few of those facilities offer the same range of classes that are popular at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre.

One female gym user, who attends classes at Cowdenbeath up to four times a week, told the Press, "Why did they not delay the closure of Cowdenbeath until January when people could switch to Carnegie?

"One of the instructors at Cowdenbeath is trying to find an alternative location, such as Beath High, where she can book a hall to continue classes so people don't miss out."

This week, Fife Council officially handed over the keys to the new facility to Fife Sports & Leisure Trust, who will run the centre.

The revamped centre includes a 25-metre, six-lane, deck-level pool with underwater moveable floor, extensive refurbishment to the main swimming pool, toddler pool and changing facilities and a wetside communal changing village.

There will also be a health suite with integrated steam room, sauna, hot room and spa bath and a new, state-of-the-art fitness suite with 100 stations,

However, the two purpose-built aerobic studios will not be available for classes until January.

Councillor Brian Goodall, chair of the housing and communities committee, said, "Handing over the keys to Fife Sports & Leisure Trust this week marks one of the important final steps in the countdown to the new Carnegie Leisure Centre opening its doors.

"As the opening day draws ever closer, I'm sure everyone is getting more and more excited to see inside of this new state-of-the-art sports and leisure centre."

Councillor Joe Rosiejak added, "It's great to be able to report the wait is finally over and we are just days away from the beginning of yet another exciting chapter in Carnegie Leisure Centre's long and distinguished history."

Ed Watson, chief executive, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said, "Latest attendance figures show that more Fifers than ever are using the trust's facilities and, with the completion of Carnegie Leisure Centre, we very much welcome the opportunity to deliver a comprehensive and popular programme of activities to the people of Dunfermline.

"Carnegie Leisure Centre will offer affordable and accessible fitness and leisure opportunities for all ages and fitness levels."

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

SRobbo
8 posts
Nov 11, 08:45
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Outragous that they have been providing misleading articles on the 'opening' of the new centre. The swimming pool is the missing link in sports facilities in Dunfermline, it is what the majority of people are waiting on and it won't even be ready when they implied it would.

I can imagine a lot of negative comments to follow. Shame on you Sports and Leisure Trust.

PS. Mr Watson, please define 'affordable' when a 1.5hr fitness class costs around £9!

Recommend? Yes 10 No 4
Blackadder
258 posts
Nov 11, 14:29
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I agree SRobbo, the whole project has been a huge farce, unfortunately not a very funny one. The lack of co-ordination between the closure of Cowdenbeath and Dunfermline High School and the delayed availability of swimming facilities at Carnegie beggars belief. With the closure of all nearby carparks thrown in, I doubt Shakespeare himself could have done a better job.

I understand also that schools will no longer be organising swimming lessons for primary school age children. Vouchers are to be issued to parents to take their children along. I wonder if the 1500 available places for swimming at Carnegie takes account of this.

Recommend? Yes 12 No 3
NEILYJ
90 posts
Nov 11, 14:54
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A kin swim :)

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cutiefox12
33 posts
Nov 11, 15:11
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now there is a surprise!!!! another blaitent lie, so it is not going to be ready, they are just opening it up to try and save face, well I am afraid it doesn't work, another balls up for Fife council. Can they give us an explanation about all car parks being closed? that will take weeks and a lot of thinking to to come up with an answer. I won't hold my breath.

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bicyclebob
159 posts
Nov 11, 15:52
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neilyj,mind the armbands,and the water ring,have fun

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bicyclebob
159 posts
Nov 11, 15:57
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Imagine, council tax goes towards cost of leisure centres.

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supersonic
220 posts
Nov 11, 17:11
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Is anyone actually surprised about this news? Not me!

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Ulysees
40 posts
Nov 12, 00:29
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So, they're opening this up over a year over due and it still isn't fully functional?

Errrr - why bother opening then?

Surely they realise they're not saving face with any "Grand Opening Ceremony" they're simply demonstrating how inept in planning they actually are. I suppose it would make too much sense to delaying the opening (even further) until everything is actually completed and as stated postpone Cowdenbeath's "essential maintenance".

I hope I'm wrong but let's face it with the farcical parking facilities available, and lack of amenities presented it wont be too much longer until the Dunfermline Press is reporting how low the volume of people through the doors are!

Recommend? Yes 10 No 4
NotHappyJan
192 posts
Nov 13, 20:56
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I have such fond memories of this centre before it was closed for renovations. I was quite happy with it the way it was, even although I had not been there for years (too many spare tyres)!

I don't think people will go back and indeed it will close it doors for good before long. Such a shame to see so much heritige and history go down the drain!

Recommend? Yes 3 No 15
whatevernext
4 posts
Nov 13, 21:19
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Jan, you were happy? Now there is a surprise!

Your moaning is getting tiresome now, give us a break til after New Year please. I am sure you will have plenty to gripe about then, icy pavements, poor postal service plus some more Rosyth bashing!

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376 posts
Nov 14, 10:21
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Stop the anxiety eating and get more exercise. Bowel cancer, obesity and heart disease are the curse of Scotland!

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376 posts
Nov 14, 11:15
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Unlike socialism and communism which are only of benefit to the human race.

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bicyclebob
159 posts
Nov 14, 15:58
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communism,at least you would have got fed,basic food stuffs,bread milk potatoes-and plenty holidays,so you could keep fit if you wanted,revolution time

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******
Nov 14, 18:53
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Nov 14, 20:09
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NotHappyJan
192 posts
Nov 14, 20:14
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Goodness me Whatevernext, your comments have split my heart assunder and all of a sudden I have developed an inferority complex, please no more of your harsh words, I don't think I can stand it!

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******
Nov 15, 00:25
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Nov 15, 00:32
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Blackadder
258 posts
Nov 15, 08:16
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You are your own worst enemy triskell, your account being blocked is of your own making. With comments like that last one ginawhoever will be joining the rest of your aliases. Grow up.

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******
Nov 15, 10:37
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376 posts
Nov 15, 10:44
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My account being blocked is because you don't like me condemning warfare and capitalism and because you don't have an argument for warfare and capitalism. You can have me banned as much as you like. It represents a victory for truth. Just look at my posts and look at your posts. You have nothing but provocation, insults and lies while I tell the truth. Are you another one that can't cope with the monster inside you, that lives in fear?

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bicyclebob
159 posts
Nov 15, 11:03
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ginafonyo,jan hates communism,socialism,you are entitled to your beliefs

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Blackadder
258 posts
Nov 15, 11:24
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I'll keep it to words of one syllable. You were blocked by your own hand, I have not had you blocked. I don't care what you say, your rants are just that, rants. You turned crude, no-one else. Dots on a screen - your words not mine. Grow up and make some friends.

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376 posts
Nov 15, 11:28
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Hating something is irrational. NotHappyJan can't just "hate" something she has to state her reasons for hating it. Saying that she hates communism and socialism is like saying she hates community and sharing things fairly and it suggests that she is UNsociable, that she is ANTI-social. Maybe NotHappyJan hates communism and socialism because the propaganda mechanisms of state have thoroughly demonised them and she can't think for herself? Calling me uneducated and using swear words to condemn me make NotHappyJan look bad. Your gloating and tough guy jibes make you look bad as well bicyclebob! What you are doing to me is the same as book burning and sending people to the gulags. Get yourselves sorted!

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******
Nov 15, 11:31
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Nov 15, 12:04
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Nov 15, 12:05
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Nov 15, 12:15
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Nov 15, 12:19
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Nov 15, 12:21
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Nov 15, 12:35
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Nov 15, 12:47
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bicyclebob
159 posts
Nov 15, 12:54
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triskel/gina,nhj is entitled to her views

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376 posts
Nov 15, 12:58
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People who can't argue their case and resort to name-calling and ignoring don't deserve any respect!

Name-calling, "hating" and ignoring don't constitute having a "view"!

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bicyclebob
159 posts
Nov 15, 13:04
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Noticed more folk ignoring gina/triskel,keep it up

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376 posts
Nov 15, 13:31
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You're not "ignoring" though, are you bicyclebob! Why's that? What is it with you and communism then? I thought you weren't going to "bite" anymore? If you can't justify you're hatred stop snarling around my ankles! The rest of your buddies have lost the argument, they've gone to watch The News on Sky and you are just making yourself look silly!

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******
Nov 15, 21:16
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Nov 15, 22:05
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Nov 15, 23:15
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supersonic
220 posts
Nov 15, 23:44
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Nothappyjan I disagree! I think the Carnegie centre will do really well!

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Nov 16, 00:33
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Marken4
1 post
Nov 16, 12:35
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The decision of the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust not to postpone the closure of the Cowdenbeath Centre for just a few weeks until the Carnegie Centre finally opens, merely adds complacency to incompetence. Surely it is possible to delay the closure of Cowdenbeath for a matter of a few short weeks to allow the people of West Fife access to swimming and other facilities up until Christmas.

If the Cowdenbeath Centre really cannot wait this short period of time before its scheduled service closure then we all should be very worried indeed about those who are currently responsible for these important facilities.

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davie1
26 posts
Nov 17, 12:28
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When (if) it does eventually open, why do we have to pay for entrance? We have already paid for it (via our council tax) it belongs to the people. Our inept council are only care taking it on our behalf.

Incidentally on the same note why do we have to pay to park our cars in Dunfermline - it should be free - certainly encourage people to come here.

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Ulysees
40 posts
Nov 18, 03:10
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@Davie1

Granted as you've stated we've paid for this through our council tax but remember the building still requires maintenance, staff will require wages, and then there's the cost of heating, lighting, cleaning etc etc. It all adds up and I'm sure this will show in the entrance fee they'll apply, more than likely with tidy profit margin as well :/

As for parking - it's just another way out council have deemed appropriate to rip off the motorist. Personally I think Dunfermline is an absolute joke when it comes to shopping, especially given the pathetic amount (and variety) of shops in the Kingsgate shopping centre! There's no way I'd pay the ludicrous charges in the mutli storey when I can travel 30mins along the M8 and pay a respectable amount to park in Livingston and shop in a centre that actually has "everything I want under one roof"

Lets stop the spamming (you know who you are) and bring this thread back on topic now people eh? :)

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376 posts
Nov 18, 13:56
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Ooooh Ulysees! You're so strong!

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ROBROY
35 posts
Dec 5, 09:39
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The Way Forward Team for leisure facilities suitable for the 21st century were absolutely correct with every issue we raised.

It was forecast, that the closure period, as previously experienced, would be twice as long as was made out which was originally 18 months which was known to be 24 months and that was well out also.

It was well known at that time, that this 103 years old building would produce many problems that would not be immediately apparent. However, much of our cash was spent having the possible problems explored, but that proved not to be of much value......Surprise! Surprise!

A letter was sent to Ronnie Hinds, Chief Executive, Fife Council on 22 October 2007, yes, over 4 years ago, suggesting, that Carnegie Leisure Centre should be kept open and a new leisure centre built on a campus that would include a new High School and College facilities, this was supported by John Park MSP and Councillor Willie Sullivan and many others. The existing centre could then be used as a major Carnegie Tourist and Museum Centre, under 'one roof' - the unique tiled hot room, sauna and steam room etc could have been retained, as it certainly should have been. Arts and crafts could have had workshops. The swimming pool could have been a mock up of a mine. Paper making and the other industries that Fife was renowned for could also have featured. Eating and drinking facilities could have been made available and much, much more. Oh yes, car parking would not have been a major problem - very much worse now.

Penzance built a brand new facility FULLY kitted out with plenty of parking available for only £6.7 million and that is the most expensive place in the UK. The of course, started with a blank piece of paper and not an old tired 103 years old building.

Our citizens of course, had their Human Rights abused and many of our children, did not have the opportunity to swim - a potential life saving activity.

A Trust was formed, which gives the impression, that we, the tax payers are no longer paying for their upkeep. Wrong! Trusts are only a fleet footed way to give the impression, that Fife Council has less employees. Unfortunately, the Chief Executive, Ed Watson was responsible for allowing the rot to set in at CLC. He did not even use the facilities, even when they were working, oh no, he and others used PRIVATE facilities. What does that tell us. Does your butcher buy his meat elsewhere?

Now we have the 'itsy bitsy' opening of CLC with much trumpeting from those who went along with this fiasco. And there will be more.

Recommend? Yes 1 No 0
******
Dec 7, 13:24
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