IRVINE residents have voiced their disapproval at new investment in the soon-to-be-closing Magnum.

Despite its highly publicised closure plans, Magnum operators KA Leisure have recently made a number of upgrades to the centre including the installation of a new 3G Astroturf pitch.

New gym equipment has also been purchased along with refurbished paint work inside the building.

However, KA Leisure recently revealed that the new investment will be recouped in a short period of time.

The decision has raised eyebrows amongst members of Irvine Community Council who have again questioned the decision to close the Magnum if new investment will be quickly recovered.

At the group’s most recent meeting, Secretary Bill Anderson said: “I had received a letter from KA Leisure after I had asked them why new investment was being brought to the Magnum even though it’s going to close.

“They informed me that certain standards have to be kept to maintain the centre and have brought in new equipment to make it a good experience for users.

“I along with a lot of other people in the town felt that this was completely unnecessary if it’s going to close. It could have been spent on better and more important things.

“However the most telling thing was that they informed me that they expected the investment to be recovered within a short period of time.

“That just begs the question if they expect new investment to be recouped quickly then why are they shutting the place?” The Magnum is set to be replaced by a highly controversial new multi-million pound leisure centre in the middle of the town despite vocal opposition from a large number of people in Irvine.

However, work on the new centre has temporarily halted due to a Scottish Government inquiry into the stopping up of Jail Close on the site.

In the last few months, the Magnum has actually seen an increase in users with recent roller disco events being extremely popular with locals.

Scott Morrison from KA Leisure has defended the investment and insists that they may put even more money into the Magnum.

He said: “Although the Magnum Leisure Centre is due to be replaced in 2015, we are still open for business and KA Leisure will continue to invest in all our facilities, including the Magnum, albeit on a limited scale, to improve the service provided, increase customer visits and maximise income.

“We’re involved in a scheme with the company who have installed the new indoor five-a-side 3G synthetic pitch which will hopefully see the cost recouped within the next three to four months.

“We may still invest into the Magnum but there is nothing further at the moment. We’re still looking to try and attract more people to the centre, use the facilities and make it an enjoyable experience.”