Plans for multi-million pound refurbishments of three Trafford Leisure Centres over the next five years have been agreed.
In January 2021, the authority’s executive voted to scrap proposals to build new leisure centres for Altrincham, Sale and Stretford and instead invest in improving the existing facilities there.
The move comes after the successful refurbishment of Urmston Leisure Centre and is set to save the council considerable sums of money, taking around five years to complete.
The public are set to be consulted on the refurbishment plans from the New Year.
Now, a multi-million investment has been approved by Trafford council’s executive, after being recommended for approval by officers, and the large-scale refurbishments will be carried out on a phased arrangement, with Altrincham Leisure Centre earmarked as the first to be refurbished.
The Stretford and Sale centres will soon follow.
Altrincham Leisure Centre’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 gymnastic and trampoline hub, a combined lobby and pool viewing café, changing facilities, and a spa facility including a wellness assessment room.
Sadly, the site is set to lose its popular squash courts to make room for new facilities there.
The refurbishment designs hope to include the replacement of the fossil fuel (gas) heating system with air sourced heat pumps and solar panels, to make the centre more sustainable.
Coun Andrew Western, council leader, said: “We know that our leisure centres are incredibly important centres within our communities and we recognise that they have been deteriorating for some time.
“There is a significant financial challenge in the leisure sector, particularly in the publicly owned section of the leisure sector and the impact that is having on council budgets. We do need to proceed within an investment on this scale carefully and with the appropriate due diligence.”
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.
The plans will be available to view at Altrincham Leisure Centre, Altrincham Library, online at the council’s website and at other community hubs in the area for the public consultation from next month.
