Citadel improvements take another step forward as facade works begin

As part of the major refurbishment programme at the Citadel Leisure Centre in Ayr, work is set to start on the facade of the building.  These works will see the new entrance formed and make way for a new reception, cafe area and lobby which will lead to the gym and family hub.

To allow the exciting transformation to get underway, the Main Hall will close on Wednesday 26 February 2025.

To minimise disruption in Studios 1 and 2 while preparatory works are underway in the Main Hall, we have updated our Fitness Timetable.  The changes will come into effect from Monday 3 March and can be viewed at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/gym-and-fitness.

Our health classes will continue to run throughout the duration of the works and letters will be issued to class participants directly to keep them up to date with the changes. 

We're also making alternative arrangements for badminton.  You can now enjoy badminton at our Coylton, Dundonald, and Muirhead Activity Centres, as well as at Maybole Leisure Club.  You can book badminton via the Sport and Leisure app, online at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/leisure-bookings, or by phoning 01292 269 793.  We may also be able to accommodate groups and organisations in some of our school facilities and you can email our lets team on lets@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or call 01292 612655 to find out more. 

Roll-out badminton courts will soon be available to book at Riverside Sports Arena, Ayr. Information on how to reserve these courts will be made available soon on the Sport and Leisure website and social media channels.  Alternatively, badminton courts can be hired at Prestwick Tennis Centre - more details are available at www.prestwicktennisandfitness.co.uk.

We know that children's birthday parties were popular at the Citadel, so we are already offering Bounce & Play parties at Coylton Activity Centre.  You can find out more and book at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/46921/Bounce-Play-Parties.  We also offer fun Pool Parties at the Citadel and Maybole and Troon Leisure Clubs.  Our Sports Activity Parties run at Maybole Leisure Club, where you can book a party for only £50.   

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark, said: "It's great that work is set to begin on the facade of the Citadel, which will ultimately result in a major change inside the facility.  As the programme of works progresses, everyone who uses the centre will begin to see a real difference.  When the renovations are complete, we anticipate that the improvements will attract more visitors to the town who'll want to benefit from the Citadel's enhanced facilities."

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "As the Citadel improvement works are carried out, we have, wherever possible, made alternative arrangements to ensure people can still access the great range of sport and leisure facilities and activities we currently offer at the centre. We appreciate our customer and leisure members' patience as the work progress, and I'm sure the temporary disruption will be well worth it in the long term when the end results are unveiled."

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Buildings, Housing and Environment, Councillor Martin Kilbride, said: "The facade and subsequent works beginning is a huge step in the transformation of the Council's largest and most popular leisure centre.  I'm looking forward to seeing the new layout of the facility begin to take shape over the next few months."

We'll provide further updates on plans for the interior of the Citadel soon.  In the meantime, you can keep up to date with the Citadel transformation works by visiting our dedicated microsite www.citadel-leisure-redevelopment.co.uk.