Work is due to get underway on a new multi-million pound leisure centre in Halifax, bringing state-of-the-art facilities to the town. Led by development partner Alliance Leisure for Calderdale Council, the project aims to reduce health inequalities by enabling more people to be more active, more often.
Calderdale Council secured £12.2m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund to help fund the new facility, which is being built on the site of the former North Bridge Leisure Centre which closed to the public in March 2022.
The new Halifax Leisure Centre will replace North Bridge Leisure Centre, and Halifax Swimming Pool, which were both outdated and the failing pool was in urgent need of replacement. Combining these two sites will create a single, flagship facility in one of the most densely populated areas of the borough. It will also safeguard vital leisure facilities and be a more efficient and cost-effective building.
“Research carried out by Calderdale Council found that improvements in sports and leisure facilities in Halifax would support more people of all ages and abilities to be active. Replacing the two outdated centres in the town with a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that meets the needs of a wider range of age and interest groups will allow the council to support levelling up and address local health inequalities, while ensuring a sustainable future for the delivery of affordable and inclusive facilities and services,” says James Foley, Commercial Director at Alliance Leisure.
Supported by GT3 Architects and built by contractors McLaughlin and Harvey, the new centre will offer a six-lane, 25m swimming pool and separate large teaching pool. Other facilities include a gym, exercise studios, a dedicated group cycling studio, an eight-court sports hall, sauna and steam room, and a café. A new adventure climbing facility and interactive play facilities will extend the offer to appeal to a wider age group.
“The new leisure centre is a major investment for the Council and demonstrates our commitment to our Active Calderdale mission – supporting residents to lead more active lifestyles and reducing inequalities. This fantastic new facility will also complement wider regeneration works around Halifax town centre, making this an exciting and inspiring time for the town,” said Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy.
A number of carbon-reducing features have been incorporated into the design help reduce the impact on the environment and contribute to the council’s carbon-neutral targets. These include a sedum roof and a number of low carbon technologies.
The centre is expected to complete in 2024.
