Plans for huge revamps of three Trafford leisure centres have been recommended for approval - after proposals for new facilities were binned.
In January 2021, the council's executive voted to scrap proposals to build new leisure centres in Altrincham, Sale and Stretford and instead invest in improving the existing facilities.
The move is set to save the council 'considerable' sums of money.
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A 'multi-million' investment is set to be approved next week by executive councillors after being recommended for approval by officers.
Exact cash amounts have not yet been confirmed.
The refurbishments will be carried out on a phased arrangement, with Altrincham earmarked as the first leisure centre to be revamped.
Stretford and Sale will follow.
Altrincham's proposed design includes a 25m pool; a 20m leisure pool; a 100-station gym, twice the size of the existing one; two studios; a purpose-built spin studio; a four-court sports hall; a gymnastics and trampoline 'hub'; a combined lobby and pool-view café; changing facilities, and a spa.
A gas heating system will be replaced with air-sourced heat pumps and solar panels to make the centre more sustainable.
Coun Liz Patel, Trafford council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “We are excited to announce this next stage of our leisure centre investment plans. Over the past two years we have all had time to think about our health. The benefits of being active for our bodies and minds are huge.
“However, I have met many people who are not physically active, they lack confidence, feel self-conscious, have a long term health condition or are just so busy with family and work they feel they don’t have time to make physical activity a priority.
“Trafford Moving is our plan to help support these residents to be more active in their local communities. There is no ‘right’ way to get active, so this isn’t just about formal sports. A walk round the block with a friend, a dance in the kitchen, armchair stretches – it all counts.
“Trafford Moving is a new approach that will bring together communities to inspire and help people become more active. The first step in the plan is to ask people what would help them, so please get involved in the consultation early next year.
“A key commitment of this council administration is to improve our much-loved centres, bringing them up to a modern, attractive standard. We have made a great start with Move Urmston and are proud to be setting out the next steps in the refurbishment of Altrincham, Sale and Stretford.”
Jo Cherrett is CEO of Trafford Leisure, a community interest company, wholly owned by Trafford council, which manages the facilities on behalf of Trafford council and uses any profits and assets for community benefit.
She said: “We couldn’t be happier to share the proposals with the people of Trafford and are excited about how these redevelopments will completely transform the facilities we run, future proofing them for generations to come.
“This isn’t just a lick of paint; the plans are extensive and will ensure our spaces are safe, welcoming and inclusive to all. Move Urmston really helps showcase what can be achieved from a refurbishment. We have learnt a lot from the recent and successful redevelopment of move Urmston and are looking forward to supporting Trafford council in making ‘move Altrincham’, ‘move Sale’ and ‘move Stretford’ a reality.
“A healthy lifestyle is the foundation to a happy life and our vision is to make Trafford the most active borough in the England. These refurbishments will support the Trafford community to move more every day.
"The range of new facilities, classes, services and equipment in the proposals demonstrate there really is something for everyone.”
The consultation process for Altrincham Leisure Centre is set to launch in January 2022, enabling the people of Altrincham to have their say on the draft designs.
Ms Cherrett added: “Feedback from previous consultations on the future of Altrincham Leisure Centre will be incorporated into our findings, but we really urge the community to once again share their voice on the council’s proposals so we can move to the next stage swiftly and effectively. The refurbishments ensure that our community can continue to move together.”
