'The benefits are huge': Revamped £20m Greater Manchester leisure centre with spa nearing completion
Altrincham’s £20m revamped leisure centre is nearing completion with a phased reopening set for August.
Branded ‘move Altrincham’, the centre will boast a 25-metre swimming pool, a 20m learner pool, a pool pod – or platform lift – to improve learner accessibility, and a lobby area with pool viewing.
There is also to be a ‘wet changing village’ and a toilet for people with profound disabilities. The centre on Oakfield Road will include a wellness assessment room, an enlarged fitness suite, two flexible studio spaces and an immersive indoor cycle studio.
A four-court sports hall and a gymnastics hub, changing areas, staff rooms and offices in addition to a new Cove Spa with a vitality pool, sensory showers an ice fountain and a sauna and steam rooms are also part of the new offer to local residents.
Trafford town hall bosses say the building will be opening later than expected due to the challenges of transforming the 50-year-old building.
It has an ‘active travel hub’, plus air source heat pumps and solar panels – removing gas heating completely – thanks to more than £2m of funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation fund via Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
Jo Cherrett, chief executive of Trafford Leisure, a community interest company wholly owned by the council said: “move Altrincham will provide our community with a welcoming, safe place where there truly is something for everyone – from babies through to older adults, and everyone in between. Our new Cove Spa adds a real treat to the experience.
“The benefits of being active are huge. A healthy lifestyle is the foundation to a happy life, and this redevelopment, along with the expert support of our staff, will inspire and support people to move more every day.”
Coun Eve Parker, Trafford council’s executive member for leisure, arts, culture and heritage, said: “We are delighted to present this fantastic facility to the Altrincham community and cannot wait to throw open the doors and welcome everyone in.
“move Altrincham supports the Council’s priorities to address climate change as well as to facilitate sports for all, and healthy and independent lives. We want people of all ages and abilities in our borough to be as fit and active as they possibly can be, and this new centre will help us to get there.”
The phased reopening is scheduled to begin on August 26. Residents are encouraged to register interest online, to receive get the latest updates and membership information from Trafford Leisure.