Local Outcome 5: Celebration time for the fabulous new Allander Leisure Centre
The amazing new Allander Leisure Centre has been given the official seal of approval by East Dunbartonshire's Provost … and thousands of happy swimmers, spinners, footballers, fitness fans and tennis aces.
The Bearsden facility is now fully complete and open, offering:
- A 25m eight-lane swimming pool and 20m training pool with movable floor
- Sauna and steam vitality room
- Hydrotherapy pool for use by people with learning disabilities, families with young babies and people with mobility issues
- Gym and high & low intensity studios
- State-of-the-art spin room
- Eight-court games hall
- Two squash courts
- Sports Dome with two indoor football pitches and a tennis court.
It also incorporates a support facility for adults with learning disabilities – including dementia, rebound, sensory and physiotherapy treatment rooms, as well as arts and crafts, dance and music areas.
Provost Gillian Renwick has officially opened the new Allander Leisure Centre, following a phased programme of construction.
The main building was complete and open by last March, with the old centre demolished and the new Sports Dome built in its place by the end of 2023.
Since the first phase was completed, there have been more than 460,000 visits – around 12,000 per week on average.
Provost Renwick said, "I am absolutely delighted to officially open the new Allander Leisure Centre, which is already proving popular with people of all ages.
"This is the culmination of years of hard work, hopes, discussions and planning – involving patrons, partners, residents, community groups, councillors and officers. Thanks to everyone who helped along the way.
This facility represents a significant capital investment by the Council, which will benefit generations of people from Bearsden and beyond – offering them the chance to enjoy first-class sporting and leisure opportunities at an affordable price. I'm pleased to say the project also includes services and support for adults with learning disabilities.
Work has also been completed on the car park, which is fully open – including bays for drivers with disabilities and a facility for cyclists. Eight electric vehicle charging points are now online – including one reserved for 'Blue Badge' holders. For more information, including tariffs, visit the vehicle charging points webpage.
East Dunbartonshire Council has been working closely with partners including the Leisure and Culture Trust, and the Health and Social Care Partnership.
McLaughlin & Harvey was the main contractor and architectural design was by Holmes Miller, with support from Doig+Smith, Brown + Wallace and planning consultancy Stantec.
The project was delivered as part of the Scape – Major Works – UK Framework.
- Bookings can be made online through the Leisure app/Leisure Hub, by telephone or in person. Visit the booking website, call 0141 777 3070 or pop into the Allander Leisure Centre, Milngavie Road, Bearsden G61 3DF.
- For hourly rates and conditions, visit the Allander website – where you can also download the EDLC Leisure app.
- Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance for non-members and up to eight days in advance for members.
- The planning process included public exhibitions and online resources, as well as engagement with the Allander Champions Group, local residents, community councils, Allander users, residents' associations and local schools.
- The Pickleball Scottish National & Masters Championships took place at the Allander in June 2023, with competitors from as far afield as Canada and matches streamed live online. Pickleball continues to prove popular, with up to 50 bookings per week.
- The Allander project represents a £42.5 million investment by East Dunbartonshire Council from its capital programme – which is funded differently and completely separate from the revenue budget, which pays for day-to-day services.
- External photo above by Chris Humphreys Photography.