The future of Auchinleck Leisure Centre remains on hold as councillors agree to postpone a decision on whether or not to demolish it.

At a meeting of the East Ayrshire Council Cabinet last week, council officers had advised elected members to approve the demolition of the leisure centre and the creation of the Auchinleck Outdoor Sports Academy.

However, the council chose to defer the decision until further consultation can take place on the future use of the leisure centre, including the possibility of public swimming sessions.

Plans to develop the Outdoor Sports Academy will go ahead regardless, with councillors voting to continue with that aspect of the proposals.

The Auchinleck Leisure Centre has been operating as a stand-alone facility since the closure of the Auchinleck Academy last year.

A council report says that since the centre reopened following the lockdown, the swimming pool has seen 61 per cent less use than pre-pandemic. It adds that this is not unexpected, as the sector slowly recovers from the pandemic. However Loudon and Doon swimming pools only saw a decrease of 19 per cent and two per cent respectively. Contrary to that, Auchinleck Leisure Centre’s outdoor facilities have seen an increase of 150 per cent.

The report states it would cost around £4.5million to demolish Auchinleck Academy and keep the leisure centre. Whereas getting rid of the leisure centre and establishing the new Outdoor Sports Academy would cost around £1.9m.

Councillor Claire Leitch suggested the reason for the low attendance at the pool could be down to people not knowing that it was open.

She said: “I do appreciate that we’re saying there’s a 61 per cent reduction in use of the pool, however, I do wonder how ell marketed it was in terms of the pool reopening. I’ve been talking to residents in Auchinleck who had no idea the pool had reopened since Covid. They were under the impression it was only the sports pitches that were open.”

This was echoed by Councillor Jacqui Todd. Councillor Tom Cook questioned how residents’ views were canvassed on the proposals.

Cllr Todd then suggested further consultation be conducted. This was backed by Councillor McMahon.