As part of its ambition to encourage an active community and create a sustainable future for its leisure provision, Wirral Council has invested £2.7m in the repositioning and redevelopment of Wirral Tennis & Sports Centre as an activity hub for the whole family.

Renamed Bidston Sports & Activity Centre, the centre offers residents and visitors a multitude of experiences to encourage movement and social interactions, helping to promote community cohesion and encourage good health through physical activity.

Alliance Leisure was appointed as the council’s leisure development partner and delivered the project through the UK Leisure Framework, which is managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). 

The facility is divided into three zones; ‘adventure play’, ‘fitness’ and ‘tennis’.

Each zone is served by a central remodelled reception area and supported by a large communal food and beverage facility with a dual servery.

Tom Gardner, business development manager at Alliance Leisure, said: “The facility has been transformed from a sports facility into a multi-activity destination.

“Through the various activities, there is now a provision for all ages and abilities, creating a place where the whole family can get involved.” 

For youngsters aged eight and above, and adults, there is a TAGactive arena, a digitally-gamified obstacle course; while a large soft play area will cater for younger children.

This area has been designed to encourage families to spend active time together in a safe, stimulating, and fun environment.

Gardner said: “Extensive research has evidenced that active children are more likely to develop into active adults.

“Encouraging active play from an early age sets the foundations for an active adult population and all the benefits that delivers for individuals and communities.”

A new fitness suite, equipped with a comprehensive selection of cardiovascular and strength training equipment, supported by a dedicated, immersive group cycle studio, provides state-of-the-art training facilities for all ages and abilities, while tennis remains an integral part of the offer, thanks to the retained provision of six indoor courts.  

Supporting Alliance Leisure in project delivery was Universal Group as principal contractor, Pozzoni Architects, and Play Revolution, the designers and supplier of the TAGactive and adventure play structures.

Works began in November 2022 and the facility opened to the public last month. 

The facility is owned by Wirral Council and managed by Active Wirral, although the tennis provision is now managed directly by the Lawn Tennis Association due to a direct new partnership for the NGB with Wirral Council.