Milburn Leisure Centre regulars say they will fight Gateway's demolition plans
Plans to demolish a west Hull leisure centre as part of a regeneration project are being fought by users.
Regeneration agency Gateway wants to tear down Milburn Leisure Centre, in Wheeler Street, to create green space as part of proposals to revitalise the Newington and St Andrews area of the city.
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Fighting on: From left, John Trever, chairman, and Bill Shirley, president, of Hull and District Indoor Bowling Club, with Milburn club leaseholder John Milburn.
But several hundred signatures have already been gathered as part of a petition opposing the plans.
The centre, owned by Gateway, contains a six-rink championship standard indoor bowling arena, three dance floors, snooker tables and several bars.
Bowling, dance classes, archery, boxing and wrestling are all used alongside weddings, funerals and charity functions.
Centre manager John Milburn said: "Gateway is planning to knock the building down in April next year.
"This is despite the Government planning inspector saying the centre should remain.
"We are a very busy place and have around 1,300 through the door each week.
"Everyone is up and arms over this and if it is knocked down it will be devastating."
Chairman of the Hull and District Indoor Bowling Club John Trever is angry over the plans.
He said: "The planning inspector recommended the centre remain and that was approved by Hull City Council's cabinet.
"We thought we were home and dry but Gateway insists on knocking it down and is riding roughshod over everything.
"But we are not going to accept this lying down. We are prepared to fight this battle."
Robbie Robson, 76, of Hessle, takes dance classes at the centre.
He said: "It beggars belief that Gateway would want to do this.
"Elderly people are being encouraged to remain active but then opportunities are just taken away."
But Gateway insists consultation has taken place about all aspects of the regeneration plans and the leisure centre was bought by them as part of a voluntary agreement five years ago.
Pauline Davis, strategic director at Gateway, has promised to work with centre users to find a solution.
She said: "We appreciate the problems that the loss of this facility represents for the club and are absolutely committed to working with its members to find a solution.
"We are actively looking at all of the options and will be discussing these in detail with the club over the coming weeks."
6 Comments
by kelly, Hull
Wednesday, May 12 2010, 9:51AM
“I had my wedding reception at Milburn and subsequently 3 christenings. It may be an eyesore from outside but inside is very welcoming.
It would be a shame to see it pulled down and many people would lose out from all the clubs this place offers on a regular basis.”
by Quentin, Town
Wednesday, May 12 2010, 5:42AM
“Would be a shame to knock it down - HUll would lose the center of it's gay community. It's been at the forefront of gay activities for years... please try to save our club.”
by taxpayer, HULL
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 7:49PM
“Typical f Steve, a Lib\ Dem layabout who exists on our taxes and votes BNP because he thinks it means Booze Now Pay later”
by taxpayer, HULL
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 7:46PM
“Typical of Steve, a lib \ dem who has never worked in his life but exists on our taxes.”
by Carol, Hull
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 12:29PM
“I think that the regulars of Milburn Leisure Club are doing the right thing in trying to save their club. Good luck to you all!!!”
by steve, hull
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 8:40AM
“its not before time it was never much of a building and never had much use get it pulled down its a eye sore.”