Leisure centre gutted by fire set to reopen

Rebuilding works on the Whitburn Leisure Centre on West Main Street are due to be finished in time for a mid-April opening.

Much of the original complex, including the pool and gym area, had to be demolished and rebuilt after a fire, caused by an electrical fault, in July 2011 tore through the building.

Swimmers were forced to evacuate in their bathing costumes as the fire spread. Forty firefighters were used to get the blaze under control.

Robin Strang, chief executive of Xcite at West Lothian Leisure, said: “We’re delighted that work on replacing Xcite Whitburn is progressing on schedule, as we know the facility has been sorely missed by the local community.

“Although we are re-instating the building on a like-for-like basis, we have been able to introduce additional 
features.”

Whitburn councillor George Paul said the centre had been missed by the local community and would provide a welcome boost for the High Street.