Formerly known as Selwyn Leisure Centre, the centre was repurposed by Alliance Leisure with Createability acting as principal contractor for the phased project. 

The scheme included the introduction of a mezzanine floor in the sports hall to create a 90-station gym. Other new facilities include a multi-functional exercise studio, a Les Mills Immersive group cycle studio and an adventure play area for under 11s along with three party rooms.  

A Sport England grant of £335,000 funded improved access to the swimming pool and gym for people with disabilities as well as a new Village Change area. All other areas of the centre were renovated including the café, reception area and the changing areas serving the outdoor pitch. The site has undergone a complete mechanical, electrical and plant replacement to significantly extend the lifecycle of the building, along with the introduction of new carbon efficient technologies. 

With the addition of children’s activities and innovative fitness solutions, the facility now serves a broader demographic and it is hoped these enhancements will improve local health outcomes. Prior to the development, health in the borough was worse than the national average, reflected by the higher than average cost of physical inactivity.

“The council took the brave decision in 2019, in what was a challenging financial climate, to invest in the site. The impact of this investment has far exceeded our expectations and more importantly those of the communities which we serve. Working with the Alliance team we have repurposed space and broadened the appeal of the activities the building is able to accommodate. Their advice has been sound and, if anything, their forecasts for usage have been conservative. Within six months the site is hitting its three-year targets,” said David Boocock, service manager at St. Helens Council.