£6.5m redevelopment for Urmston Leisure Centre approved

Plans have been approved for the £6.5 million redevelopment of Urmston Leisure Centre, as part of Trafford Borough Council’s overarching plans for leisure improvements across the entire borough.

The planning application, which will see building contractor Willmott Dixon brought in to totally overhaul the 1980s leisure centre, include replacing the front section of the building with a double-height welcoming lounge/cafe area complete with modern touch screens for class and activity booking and a soft play area.
Large, brightly coloured pods either side will house two fitness studios, changing areas and children’s party rooms, as well as an 8m high clip and climb, adventure climbing experience. A brand new, glass fronted gym with functional training area will be created on the first floor, with views across the front of the building as well as into the refurbished pool at the back of the centre. The ground floor facilities will also include a wellness studio, offering health-focussed training for everyone from elite athletes to those who have never exercised before, as well as people needing physical and medical support with their activity regime.

Jo Cherrett, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Trafford Leisure said: “This is an important milestone for Urmston Leisure Centre, which is in need of a complete overhaul to provide modern, fun, fit for purpose facilities that will help local people to be more active. Customer experience forms the heart of the new design by architects 5 Plus and follows extensive consultation with the community, so we are confident the new facilities will encourage more participation locally.”

The Urmston Leisure Centre planning approval follows further good news on the future of leisure in the borough, with professional basketball team, Manchester Giants, announcing the George H Carnall centre as its new home.

Cherrett continued: “We have met with Manchester Giants and are looking forward to working closely in partnership going forward for the benefit of the local community. We are also happy that Urmston customers will be able to continue uninterrupted on their physical activity journey by using the George H Carnall as and when necessary, throughout the building work.”

A proposed timeline for the Urmston Leisure Centre redevelopment will be confirmed by early March and will include measures to ensure the impact on customers is kept to a minimum during the works, which are expected to complete in December.

Trafford Leisure will also be launching a new website and booking app this year. Cherrett said: “We are really excited about the new capabilities of the website, as well as the smartphone app, which will ensure the experience customers enjoy at the new Urmston Leisure Centre is replicated in their at home or online activities with Trafford Leisure too.”

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Editor’s notes:
Trafford Leisure Community Interest Company Ltd (Trafford Leisure) was established in September 2015 to provide leisure services and recreational activities at the major Trafford Council facilities. Trafford Leisure is a company limited by shares, a non-profit distributing organisation, wholly owned by Trafford Council, which uses profits and assets for the public benefit.

Trafford Leisure employs more than 400 qualified staff to help manage and deliver a number of facilities, programmes and activities across the borough of Trafford; in our leisure centres, golf course and in the community. We are committed to ensuring we have something for everyone; from babies as young as three months to our most senior 90 year customers, who are a shining example of staying well and physically active. Each year we attract more than two million visitors.

For further information contact:
Abigail Harris at Big Fish Public Relations
Tel: 07738331019
Email: abigail@bigfishpublicrelations.co.uk