Consultation events announced for new community and leisure centre

The new centre is being built on the old John Grose site, just south of the town’s famous Mere. The site was purchased by the Council in 2024 giving the council the opportunity to improve its leisure offering in Diss, something local people had been asking for, for many years.

Cabinet member Kim Carsok said:

“This is an exciting step forward for this ambitious project and we are now at the point where we can share our ideas and designs. The new community and leisure centre is a huge investment by the council that underpins our priority to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and shows our ongoing support for one of our most important market towns.”

The multi-phase project started with the improvements to Diss Swim Centre, removing the gym, making the centre more energy efficient and improving the changing area. Improvements that will safeguard this important community facility for years to come. The next phase is the development of the John Grose site, and then the third phase includes plans for a new bus station and health centre.

The first phase is now complete and the swim centre has had more than 20,000 visits since it reopened in January. The second phase of the plan is underway, the old garage has been demolished and the site is being prepared for the construction of the new community and leisure centre.

Upgrading the swimming pool and buying the John Grose site has allowed the council to move the gym and create a specialised swim centre, teaching hundreds of children and adults to swim The gym is being moved to the new site with the help of a grant of more than £1 million from the Greater Norwich Growth Board. The grant is to create the gym and a vibrant plaza area with views overlooking the Mere.

The Council’s initial plans include a gym, accessible toilets and changing facilities a bookable community space for classes, a café and soft play area and fantastic views over the Mere from the first floor.

The consultation events will take place on:

• Friday 25 April, 9am to 1pm in Diss Market Place
• Wednesday 30 April and Thursday 1 May at the Corn Hall (afternoon and evening)
• Tuesday 6 May and Wednesday 7 May, 9am to 5pm at the Octagon building

Plans will also be available on the council’s website.