Tarka Leisure Centre is a leisure centre in Barnstaple, Devon, England.
Tarka Leisure Centre | |
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General information | |
Town or city | Barnstaple |
Country | UK |
Coordinates | 51°4′19.93″N 4°3′25.65″W |
Construction started | September 2020 |
Opened | 24 June 2022 (2022-06-24) |
Design and construction | |
Architecture firm | Watson Batty Architects |
Main contractor | Speller Metcalfe |
Plans to close North Devon Leisure Centre and construct a new centre adjacent to the Tarka Tennis site were abandoned in February 2009 as they were deemed too expensive at the time.[1]
Construction on a replacement leisure centre finally began in September 2020.[2] The main contractor was Speller Metcalfe and the building was designed by Watson Batty Architects.[3] The building was built adjacent to the former Tennis Centre to form one large facility.[4][5] North Devon Leisure Centre remained open until the completion of the new leisure centre.[6] The facility was opened on 24 June 2022 by Eddie the Eagle.[7]
The leisure centre contains a 25-metre (82-foot) swimming pool with eight lanes and a 20-metre (66-foot) swimming pool with four lanes. Both pools have a moveable floor. It also contains an "endless" indoor ski slope, the first of its type in Devon. Additionally, it contains sports halls, a gym, indoor and outdoor soft play areas, and a cafe.[8]
It is operated by Parkwood Leisure.[4]