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Development Update

Construction Update July 2026

Refurbishment works are progressing across multiple areas of Citadel Leisure Centre, with activity continuing to improve changing facilities, fitness and studio spaces, and the overall customer experience.

Recent progress

Drainage improvement works at the main entrance have now been completed. Reconstruction work has also commenced within the new dry changing area following completion of underground drainage activities.

Major strip-out works have been completed within the new gym and studio areas, creating space for the next phase of redevelopment. Refurbishment works within the wet changing village are now underway, including removal of existing fixtures, service alterations and preparation works.

Customer access and future facilities

Temporary customer access arrangements continue, allowing customers to safely access facilities while construction progresses. Design teams and contractors are continuing to finalise interior finishes, colour schemes and customer-facing elements of the new facilities.

Milestone timeline

July 2026: New dry changing reconstruction works are progressing, alongside refurbishment preparations within the new gym, fitness studios and entrance areas. Wet changing village demolition and enabling works are also advancing.

August 2026: Specialist pool engineering works are planned during mid-August. Fit-out and construction activity will continue across changing facilities, gym and new fitness studio areas, alongside building services and infrastructure improvements throughout the facility.

September 2026: Scheduled electrical infrastructure upgrade works by Scottish Power Energy Networks are planned to support the modernised facility. Development will also continue across internal customer areas and supporting building systems.

Autumn 2026: Customers will begin to see newly refurbished spaces taking shape as construction progresses through successive phases.

Development Update

Citadel Improvements Progress as Internal Refurbishment Works Continue

The internal refurbishment works at the Citadel Leisure Centre will soon progress to the next phase, as improvements to the wet changing facilities are set to commence.

For a period of 7 months beginning on Monday 15 June, the provision of wet change will close for the essential works to be undertaken. During this period, the existing dry changing facilities will be used for both wet and dry purposes, and additional poolside changing cubicles will be introduced to increase capacity. While we aim to minimise disruption, pool users are encouraged to arrive ‘swim ready’ where possible, and gym and fitness class users should aim to arrive dressed for activity.

To accommodate the works, a temporary timetable will be available online from Monday 7 June, with adjustments to our programme of classes taking effect from Monday 15 June. Due to increased demand at peak times, users are asked to allow extra time for changing. Alternative facilities are also available at Maybole and Prestwick Leisure Clubs throughout this time. Details of opening times across all of our venues are available at: https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/61357/Our-Venues

These works continue the momentum of investment across our Sport and Leisure facilities, following the re-opening of Prestwick Leisure Club, and the ongoing programme of works to upgrade and extend Troon Leisure Club.

South Ayrshire Council’s Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, Councillor Chris Cullen said: “It’s really encouraging to see the next stage of improvements at the Citadel getting underway. These are significant works that will help us modernise the facilities and continue improving the experience for everyone who uses the centre. 

“At the same time, we fully recognise how important these services are to people’s daily routines, health and wellbeing. A vast amount of work has gone into making sure we can keep the centre operating as effectively as possible throughout the refurbishment, while keeping disruption to an absolute minimum. 

“I want to thank customers for their patience and understanding during the works, and also acknowledge the efforts of staff who are working incredibly hard behind the scenes to keep services running and support users throughout the project.” 

Development Update

Construction Update April 2026

What’s Happening on Site?

Internal Works

  • Cut‑outs in the sports hall slab for the new piles have now been fully completed.
  • Piling works for the new mezzanine structure foundations are ongoing within the sports hall.
  • Screed removal has commenced in the new entrance area along with slab cut‑outs to allow installation of the new under‑slab drainage.
  • Decoration works have begun to the underside of the exposed roof within the new entrance zone.
  • From week commencing 20/04/26, a coordinated set of works will begin to create the new Dry Changing facilities on the ground floor. The initial works will include:
  • Installation of temporary hoardings.
  • Break‑out of the slab in the existing gym corridor for new drainage connections.
  • Formation of the new drainage connection linking to existing systems.

Further information regarding temporary changes to the Citadel gym access route during this time can be found here – Notice: Temporary Gym Access – Citadel Leisure Redevelopment

External & Structural Works

  • External scaffolds have been erected to facilitate façade removal works.
  • Initial works to support future façade removal and wall opening formation are now underway.
External scaffolds erected to facilitate facade removal works

Looking Ahead

  • Pile‑cap construction is beginning, marking the next major phase in strengthening the building’s new layout.
  • New structural openings are being formed within the existing sports hall walls to support future internal reconfiguration.
  • The existing façade area is being removed, enabling the creation of a new, improved entrance into the gym space.
  • Under‑slab drainage works are progressing in the new entrance area, preparing essential infrastructure for the upgraded facility.
Development Update

Notice: Temporary Gym Access

We’re delighted to announce that further internal construction works have commenced as part of the Citadel Refurbishment. To support the next stage of this transformation, some temporary changes are required to gain access the gym facilities. 

From 20th April 2026, the way you access the gym at the Citadel Leisure Centre will change. These changes will be in place for approximately 4 weeks.  

Citadel Gym Access  

  • Members will access the main gym by entering at the rear of the facility.  The entrance will be clearly highlighted with signage directing customers accordingly.    
  • The weights room will be closed from 20th April to allow us to form a temporary reception point; however key pieces of equipment will be moved to the main gym between 18th and 19th April to help us minimise disruption.  To allow members to access the gym, members will be asked to present their membership card on arrival.    
  • Non-members attending the gym should visit the main reception as normal to pay for their session, before being directed to the temporary entrance.  

Fitness Classes, Swimming (inc. Learn2) and Squash Courts  

  • Customers attending Fitness Classes, Swimming sessions (including Learn 2 Swim) and all other activities can access via the Main Entrance as normal.  

We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience during this short period of change.    

Development Update

Construction Update March 2026

We are pleased to provide an update on the Citadel refurbishment works. Internal construction activity is scheduled to continue from Monday 23rd March, with the following key works planned throughout April. 

Planned Works – April 2026 

  • Breaking out sections of the existing sports hall slab and commencing piling works to support installation of the future mezzanine floor. 
  • Removal of existing screed and continuation of drainage works within the new entrance and activity areas. 
  • Preparation works to form a new opening within the existing sports hall walls.  
  • Decoration works of the existing roof decking within the new double-height entrance area.  

Managing Noise During Construction 

Piling activities are expected to generate higher levels of noise. To help minimise disruption, our construction partners are currently installing acoustic blankets within the sports hall to reduce the amount of noise transferring into the main building. 

We remain committed to keeping customers and staff informed as the refurbishment progresses. Thank you for your continued patience and support. 

Development Update

Car Park Resurfacing Works

Essential resurfacing work will be carried out at the Citadel Leisure Centre car park on Thursday 19 March and Friday 20 March 2026. 

During this time, access to some parking bays, including disabled spaces, will be limited. Please allow additional time for your journey to the Citadel. Alternative parking is available at Cromwell Road. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding while we complete these important improvements.

Development Update

Progress Update February 2026

We would like to provide a brief update on the ongoing redevelopment works at the Citadel.

Our construction and design partners continue to progress key elements of the project, including the building warrant process, detailed design stages, and revisions required to support the next phases of construction. Current activity includes the completion of updated building warrant information, ongoing structural certification, and the review of revised design packages with the supply chain.

At this stage, the wider programme is being reviewed to reflect these updates, and our contractors are preparing an updated timeline for the next steps, including confirmation of contract award and mobilisation periods. We expect to have clearer details on the revised programme and sectional completion dates following further technical reviews and discussions over the coming weeks.

In the meantime, we want to reassure customers and staff that we remain committed to delivering a modern, high‑quality leisure facility that meets the needs of the community. We will continue to share updates as soon as further information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued patience and support.

Development Update

Exterior façade works completed at Citadel Leisure Centre 

The Citadel Leisure Centre in Ayr has received a major facelift as part of its exciting refurbishment programme.

The construction of the centre’s brand-new entrance façade was completed earlier this month (October 2025).

South Ayrshire Council has worked with delivery partners Alliance Leisure and Robertson Construction Central West to deliver a modern, visually striking exterior at the busy facility.

Works included curtain walling glazing, a new roof overlay above the entrance and cladding.

A series of critical infrastructure upgrades are also being carried out to modernise the facility.  These include roofing repairs; essential pool plantroom works; a major electrical upgrade and other enabling works.

With the façade now complete, focus will now shift to the internal fit out of the new entrance area.

South Ayrshire Council’s Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/ Operational Services, Councillor Alec Clark, said: “It’s wonderful to see this modern, welcoming entrance take shape at the Citadel.  This round of works marks a big step forward in creating a leisure facility that our customers and sport and leisure members can enjoy for many more years to come.”

South Ayrshire Council’s Policy Lead for Housing and Property Services, Councillor Martin Kilbride, said: “The new façade at the Citadel is a major transformation for the centre and a huge milestone in our journey to totally revamp the facility.  This work will give people a taste of what’s to come when the interior upgrades are completed.”

Jonny Curley, Director for Scotland, Alliance Leisure, said: “We are proud to be managing this transformative project on behalf of South Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Leisure. The progress on the façade is a clear indicator of the excellent collaboration between the Council, the design team, and the contractors on site. Every milestone achieved, from the early façade demolition to the installation of the final panels, brings us closer to delivering a first-class facility for the community.”

Andy McLinden, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central West, said: “Working in partnership with Alliance Leisure and the wider project team, we have delivered a modern, high-quality façade that reflects the Council’s vision for the Citadel and supports the needs of the community it serves. We look forward to continuing our role in further enhancing and revitalising this important community facility.”

Development Update

Update on the Citadel Leisure Centre Sauna Suite

We know how important the Sauna Suite is to many of our customers, and we appreciate your patience while we explored every possible option to reopen it ahead of the wider redevelopment of the Citadel Leisure Centre. 

After a detailed review of contractor quotations and costs, we have concluded that refurbishing and reopening the Sauna Suite as a standalone project is not financially viable. This was not an easy decision, and we apologise for the time taken to reach this point. It was essential that we carried out a thorough assessment to ensure all options were fully considered. 

The good news is that the Sauna Suite will form an integral part of the Citadel’s redevelopment project. The project team is currently reviewing customer feedback alongside recent survey works to finalise the exact location and design of a modernised Sauna Suite within the new facility. These details will be shared on our dedicated project microsite once this work is complete. 

As work on the wider redevelopment progresses, further updates and information will be made available via the latest news section.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. 

Development Update

Teaching Pool Closure Dates

We’re continuing to invest in the long-term quality and safety of our leisure facilities at the Citadel Leisure Centre. As part of this commitment, essential pool plant equipment is being replaced in the Teaching Pool, this includes the circulation pumps that keep water moving through our filtration system.  These upgrades are vital to maintaining clean, clear, and comfortable swimming pools for all our customers. 

While the pool is drained, we are also taking the opportunity to regrout it. This will help minimise future closures and ensure the pool remains in excellent condition. 

As a result of these essential upgrades, the Teaching Pool will be closed from Monday 20th October, and reopen on Tuesday 28thOctober 2025.   

  • All sessions running in the Teaching Pool will be cancelled.
  • Any effected lessons within the Learn2 programme have been contacted.   

Our Main Pool & Flexi Pool will remain operational on these dates and our timetable can be viewed here.