‘Key milestones’ reached in building Halifax’s new leisure centre
North Bridge Leisure Centre – Calderdale’s main leisure centre – closed early in 2022 and problems including a year’s pause in the project have caused members of the public frustration.
Some key milestones in the building of Halifax’s long-awaited £35 million new leisure centre have now been reached, reports a senior councillor.
North Bridge Leisure Centre – Calderdale’s main leisure centre – closed early in 2022 and problems including a year’s pause in the project have caused members of the public frustration.
Late last year demolition work of the old centre – the new one is being built and on the old site – began and a Cabinet member’s report to councillors says construction work is now progressing well.
Cabinet member for Economic Regeneration, Coun Keith Ingle, reports to councillors that key milestones have been achieved since the last update.
“Piling works have been completed, excavation of the main pool and learner pool is now finished, and the construction of concrete bases and upstands is underway.
“Excavation and concrete works for the pump pits and balance tanks have also been completed, while foul and surface water drainage installations continue.
“Specialist pool contractor works have progressed with the installation of the under-slab pipework,” said Coun Ingle (Reform UK, Halifax Town).
Coun Ingle said work is also progressing with the appointed consultant on wayfinding and signage proposals.
He reported that cost reduction measures to keep the scheme on financial track had been made and other such measures were in progress.
There have been delays with the project in the past – most notably when it was paused for 12 months from autumn 2022 due to spiralling construction inflation costs, before resuming a year later.
Councillors have previously heard the project, begun by the previous Labour administration and now being taken on by the Reform UK administration which won control of the council in May, is on track.
When complete he new centre will include a 25 metre six-lane swimming pool with spectator seating, and a learner pool with a viewing and seating area, a 120-station fitness suite, three multi-function studios and a dedicated spinning studio, an eight-court sports hall, a Changing Places facility, well-being spaces, a soft play and adventure area for children, and a cafe and community area.
As proposals for the new centre were developed the previous administration also decided to close the former Halifax Swimming Pool at Skircoat Road, which closed amid Covid, deemed to be uneconomic to repair.