The mayor of Greater Manchester has given an update on the rebuild of Salford’s Clarendon Leisure Centre. The sports centre, in Clarendon, was destroyed by a fire last Friday (May 10). It required eight fire engines to tackle the blaze, which was reportedly caused deliberately. On Thursday (May 16), Andy Burnham gave an update on the ‘Clarendon Rec’s’ future — which has been at the heart of the community for four decades. Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester’s In The Hotseat programme, he said: “I was really sad to hear that. “From the report I had I do not think it’s complete destruction of the building. I think it was part-destruction.” He was asked by radio host Mike Sweeney if there was money available from the mayor’s office to help pay for its restoration or a rebuild. He replied: “I would have to get an update to answer the question. Of course we will help mayor Paul Dennett in Salford because I know how valued that facility is.” Photos from the scene taken shortly after the blaze was tamed show the centre has been reduced to a twisted mass of metal and corrugated iron. Earlier this week, Mr Dennett confirmed that the ‘full demolition’ of the swimming pool area of the Leisure Centre had been ordered. “This is simply because this part of the building is too damaged to rescue and is in an unsafe condition,” he said. “Once the demolition of the pool area is complete, investigation work will continue, so that we can understand the level of damage the fire has caused to the whole centre and what this means for the building of the future. “The shock and sadness expressed by residents since this incident, further emphasises the importance of this venue to the local community and following the investigation work, we will of course keep members and local residents up to date about the future of Clarendon Leisure Centre.”
