Published Date: Sep 19th, 2025
Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre is preparing to reopen its doors to the public on Monday 29 September, following a significant refurbishment project delivered on time and within budget.
The upgraded facility will offer a refreshed and modernised environment for leisure, learning, and community services. The soft opening will allow Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (FSLT), the main operator, to begin running services and welcome back members and users. FSLT has been actively engaging with its community via social media to share reopening plans and updates.
The Council’s Early Years provision returned to the centre on 15 September, relocating from temporary accommodation next to the Maxwell Centre. Additionally, the new integrated library service operated by OnFife will move from its current High Street location into the leisure centre, aiming to open in tandem with FSLT.
Cllr Alex Campbell, Area Committee Convenor said: “The reopening of Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre marks a major milestone for the town. This significant investment reflects Fife Council’s commitment to integrated community facilities and supports the ambitions of our Physical Activity and Sports Strategy 2022–25 — to invest in facilities and infrastructure that promote physical activity and sport. It not only revitalises a key community asset but also brings together leisure, learning, and early years services under one roof. I’m delighted to see the project delivered on time and budget, and I look forward to seeing the centre thrive once again.”
The refurbishment includes a range of improvements designed to enhance user experience and accessibility:
- An enhanced gym space to increase capacity and provide a new, dedicated fitness/aerobic studio for group activity
- Replacement of the sauna and steam room
- A refurbished wet-side changing area, including the installation of a changing places unit
- Replacement and repurposing of the Synthetic Turf Pitch (STP)
- Improvements to the external façade
An official opening event led by Fife Council is planned approximately six weeks after the soft launch, celebrating the centre’s transformation and its role as a vibrant community hub.
Extensive external landscaping works have also been undertaken, designed and delivered by Fife Council Grounds Maintenance and Building Services teams. These enhancements feature new shrub and tree planting, grassed areas, gravel and mulch zones, refreshed pathways, and improved visibility around the nursery play area. The landscaping reflects a commitment to sustainability, safety, and long-term ease of maintenance.
Emma Walker, Chief Executive Officer from Fife Sports and Leisure Trust said: We’re really looking forward to welcoming our customers back to the newly refurbished Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre on 29th September. The venue has been upgraded to provide a much-improved experience for the community, with a bigger and better gym, a modernised swimming pool space, and investment in facilities like our astro pitch. With the addition of the library and welcoming back the early years education team, the venue will be a true community hub, offering something for everyone.”
Heather Stuart, Chief Executive of OnFife, which operates the library, said: “This is the start of a great new chapter for Cowdenbeath Library, working in collaboration with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and Fife Council to create an integrated hub for the community. We’re looking forward to welcoming our existing customers back to all the activities we offered previously and our team are also excited about the new opportunities presented by being co-located in the leisure centre. We'll be making new connections with other centre users and groups who might not have used the library before.”
Ongoing snagging and landscaping works will continue over the coming months, with regular maintenance scheduled to ensure the outdoor areas flourish and remain welcoming.
For more information and updates, follow Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and OnFife on their social media channels.
