A new multi-purpose playing surface has been unveiled at Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre after urgent repairs were required.
There was dismay last year when it emerged that the sports hall floor, which only opened as part of the £15.3 million centre in September 2013, had deteriorated to such an extent that it would have to be replaced, with councillors lamenting an “expensive mistake” in allowing roller hockey to be played on the surface.
Figures suggested that the replacement works could cost anything between £68,000 and £120,000, and questions were asked at the time at how the error could have happened.
However, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust – the charitable trust responsible for the operation and management of Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre – has taken action and is welcoming customers back to the hall following works to replace and enhance its flooring.
The replacement flooring – funded and delivered by Fife Council – is suitable for a wide range of core sports including football, badminton, basketball, netball and volleyball.
It will also be able to accommodate roller hockey, while it has also been marked up so futsal can be played on the surface too.
Following the five-week closure for the works, the trust is gearing up to launch its programme of activities, deliver school holiday camps designed for youngsters, and welcome new users to the facility.
Paul Hossack, area leisure manager for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “There will be lots on offer for customers of all ages and abilities including football and gymnastics classes and a choice of sports camps for youngsters.
“We are especially pleased to be welcoming back club users who had to use alternative sites during the closure, it’s great to see them make use of the hall again.
“The centre is enjoying fantastic support by customers – the hall is well used by a variety of groups and the gym, fitness studio and swimming pools continue to be very popular.
“We’d like to thank customers for their patience during the works and we are confident that they will benefit enormously from the new playing surface in the hall.”
Councillor Judy Hamilton, convener of Fife Council’s community and housing services committee, was delighted a solution had been found to keep roller hockey in the town.
She added: “I’m extremely pleased that Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre will continue to be the home of roller hockey for so many local young enthusiasts.
“This improved surface gives the trust the opportunity to help nurture interest in a wide range of sports and offer its customers a high-quality experience.”
