The new 50,000 sq ft leisure centre creates a new building that is distinctive, with exceptional design quality. It will be accessible, inclusive and welcoming to all, reflecting Halton’s key policy drivers and not excluding any section of the town’s population and providing outstanding facilities that enhance the lives of its local residents. The dementia-friendly centre will be capable of supporting sport, health and well-being, enabling the inactive to become active and more residents to fulfil their potential by participating in sport and physical activity helping all to live happier and healthy lives.
The complex will replace Kingsway Leisure Centre at Moor Lane and will include a 25m x 6-lane swimming pool with a learner pool, 100-station gym and a four-court sports hall. In addition, it will have both a spinning and exercise studio, squash court, complementary facilities, soft play area, health consultation rooms and a café/social space. The centre has been designed to embed sustainability credentials to be environmentally friendly with lower carbon emissions and reduced energy costs.
The development will make a significant urban design contribution to its important town gateway setting; and its location at the edge of the Widnes Victoria Road Conservation Area where it will be cherished and enjoyed by the community for many years to come.
Contractor Wates Construction has been working with Halton Council since 2018. Work is scheduled to complete by October 2022.
Mark Evans, Director and Sector Lead for Sport & Leisure said: “The new leisure centre will create an important placemaking opportunity for the local residents that will deliver an inclusive and greener legacy for the entire community to enjoy for many years to come”.
The council’s portfolio holder for sport and leisure Phil Harris said: “The proposals are for a centre which is fit for purpose in terms of accessibility and sustainability. It will be open to all, with a design that is also dementia-friendly and would make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our residents. We are also exploring virtual reality-related exercise in the spinning studio”.
