A reopening date for Altrincham Leisure Centre has finally been set, two and a half years after the Oakfield Road facility closed for a £20million revamp.
A phased opening for the new centre - to be rebranded move Altrincham - will begin on Tuesday 26th August.
Residents will then be able to start to see the fruits of an extended rebuild programme that has so far taken a year longer than envisaged because, Trafford Council says, of "the challenges of transforming the 50-year-old building".
The revamp had started in January 2023 and was originally scheduled to take just 18 months, having been given the green light by councillors in July 2022.
The new centre will include a 25m swimming pool, 20m learner pool, pool pod to improve accessibility, combined lobby area with pool viewing, wet changing village and inclusive facilities such as a Changing Places toilet for people with profound disabilities, a first for the town centre.
There will also be:
- A wellness assessment room
- An enlarged fitness suite
- Two flexible studio spaces
- An immersive indoor cycle studio
- A four-court sports hall and a gymnastics hub
- Changing areas, staff rooms and offices
The new Cove Spa will boast a vitality pool, sensory showers, an ice fountain and luxurious saunas and steam rooms.
And you'll be able to enjoy food and drink from Altrincham favourite MOST Bakery, who were chosen as the new centre's cafe provider back in January.
The building has an active travel hub, plus air source heat pumps and solar panels – removing gas completely – thanks to over £2m of funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation fund via Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
The transformation, which has been worked on by construction company Kier, has also been supported by Sport England.
Jo Cherrett, Chief Executive Officer 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.”
Cllr 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.”