Bracknell

Bracknell Leisure Centre is celebrating its 40th anniversary by offering a 40 per cent discount on some of its most popular activities.

In the remaining weekends of December Bracknell visitors can take part in discounted table tennis, swimming, badminton and squash - subject to availability.

The centre opened at the end of 1966 - the year England won the world cup - to serve residents in Bracknell new town, charging an entrance fee of 6d; and 40 years later it sees more than 750,000 people coming through its doors every year.

The site was given by the Bracknell Development Corporation to Easthampstead Rural District Council in 1959. An outdoor grandstand and changing rooms opened in September 1963.

The centre cost the rural district council £132,885 to build - more than the expected cost of £120,000 - and despite questions over whether it would be finished in time, it opened its doors in November as planned.

The original centre had just two halls and changing rooms. It was used for everything from wrestling and karate courses to teenage dances and discos. It even hosted concerts by acts including Slade and Genesis.

Today’s Bracknell Leisure Centre has seen a number of extensions, and now provides three halls, an exercise studio, gym, three indoor swimming pools, spa, four squash courts, eight badminton courts, a crèche, retail outlets and function rooms.

The centre’s halls are now used for everything from exhibitions, conferences and live shows to the Comedy Christmas Dinners and school holiday activities.

The centre was officially opened by Denis Howell MP - the then minister for sport - on Saturday, September 9, 1967, who was accompanied by Cllr Kathleen Dancy - chairman of Easthampstead Rural District Council - which has since evolved into Bracknell Forest Borough Council. Mr Howell hailed it as ‘years ahead of its time’.

Centre Manager Phil Dodds said: "If Bracknell Leisure Centre was years ahead of its time in the 1960s it has certainly kept up with the pace and is still providing superb facilities for Bracknell Forest residents.

"It is one of the south east’s top leisure centres offering an impressive range of facilities. There really is something for everyone.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "One of the Centre’s main strengths over the years has been its ability to flex and respond to the changing requirements our community. Forty years on it remains in the premier league of leisure provision here in the South East.

"I recommend everyone to come along to the centre and see what services it can offer to you."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council