A group of sauna enthusiasts are celebrating after revealing the much-loved facility will remain open.
In October, more than 100 sauna users created a Save our Sauna Facebook page, which urged Stratford Park Leisure Centre operator Stroud District Council to keep the facility open after rising costs had put the future of the sauna at risk. However, sauna lovers met with officials from SDC this month to formulate a plan of action to keep the popular destination afloat.
A statement from the Save our Sauna Facebook page said: “The initial proposals from outside sauna businesses to refurbish the sauna unfortunately wasn’t within the budget criteria to have the work done – it simply was too much and not viable to have the work carried out, but we are now excited to announce that SDC have worked closely with a number of local people connected to the sauna and have managed to not only save the sauna, but have secured a smaller budget for the sauna to have a complete refurbishment -this has only been made viable, due to the generous tradesmen that will be offering their time and expertise at no cost.
“The sauna refurbishment will hopefully take place over the next couple of weeks and we will be using the best quality materials to ensure the longevity and enjoyment of this space for all users.
“The sauna heater is going to remain, but may need looking at, as it’s losing heat at present – there will also be a new light and cover to be fitted as the original light is fully exposed and is dangerous.
“Please join me in thanking all those individuals that have given up their time and energy in enabling this to happen, as without them – the sauna unfortunately would not be in the plans of the leisure centre moving forward.”
Sauna user Martin Turner told Stroud Times: “As a group of sauna enthusiasts, we are thrilled to hear that the Stroud sauna at Stratford Park Leisure Centre has managed to be saved.
“Having worked closely with the team at Stratford Park, this has only been achievable with the added help of Mick Doyle and Alister Liscott. It’s a great news story for Stroud and will deliver a great new sauna for the local community for many years to come.”
A Stroud District Council spokesperson said: “We appreciate how much the sauna and steam room are valued by users and we’re grateful for the group’s co-operation in working together to improve it.
“We have been working closely with users and in partnership with local tradespeople, have identified the resources to enable a high quality refurbishment of the facility.
“Stroud District Council has provided materials and a number of local tradespeople, appropriately skilled, insured and risk assessed, will carry out the work free-of-charge The work will be overseen the District Council.
“The Council is committed to asset-based community development, by enabling residents to influence and enact positive change, and this is a great example of this in action.”
Stroud District Council took over managing the centre last November – promising £2.7 million of funding over the next five years.
