Thornes Park Stadium to stay closed for three months following fire

Thornes Park Stadium will remain closed for 12 weeks as clean-up and repair works are carried out on site.
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The stadium was badly damaged in a fire last month, which caused significant damage to the side of the building, changing rooms, gym space and other facilities.

The fire is being treated as a suspected arson attack, and police earlier confirmed that they had spoken to three boys, aged 11, 12 and 13, in connection with the blaze.

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The Council hopes to partially reopen the stadium, including part of the main sports hall, at the end of May to help minimise the disruption caused to the clubs and groups that use this facility.

Thornes Park Stadium will remain closed for 12 weeks as clean-up and repair works are carried out on site.Thornes Park Stadium will remain closed for 12 weeks as clean-up and repair works are carried out on site.
Thornes Park Stadium will remain closed for 12 weeks as clean-up and repair works are carried out on site.

They have promised to help organise alternative provision where possible.

Coun Jacquie Speight, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenienced caused by the temporary closure. It is very upsetting to see the damage caused by the fire at Thornes Park. It is a much loved facility for the local community and we are doing all we can to support those affected.

“We are working to open part of the building as soon as possible to help minimise the disruption caused to clubs and groups. But unfortunately, due to the extensive damage to the remainder of the building we have no choice but to keep this area closed for the safety of visitors, whilst we assess the damage and repairs needed.

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“We want to reassure residents that there are no plans to permanently close the site at Thornes, and we are doing all we can to get the centre up and running again as soon as possible.

“We fully share in your disappointment at the temporary closure and we will keep you updated as the works progress.”

The Aspire gym, spinning and activity room on the first floor were among areas to suffer significant damage and will remain closed, but options for the outdoor track ar ebeing considered.

Those with Aspire memberships will still be able to use all the facilities at other leisure centres in the district at Sun Lane, Normanton, Featherstone, Pontefract and Minsthorpe. Full details of opening times are available at www.wakefield.gov.uk/aspirehealth.

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Any Aspire members that only use the facilities at Thornes Park, will be able to freeze or cancel their membership by calling 01924 307 820 or email [email protected].

Anyone with any information on the fire is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 13200102868.