Demolition of Halifax's former leisure centre underway ahead of £35m replacement
The North Bridge leisure centre is being knocked down and rebuilt
Demolition work on Halifax’s old leisure centre is well under way, and when complete a £35 million new one – including a swimming pool – will be built in its place.
Senior Calderdale councillors acknowledge frustration people have experienced with the length of time it is taking to come to fruition, but believe it will be worth the wait when finished.
After Cabinet councillors had taken the decision to demolish and rebuild at North Bridge, Halifax, the project was paused due to spiralling inflation in autumn 2022, and only resumed a year later.
The initial £28 million estimated cost rose in quick succession to £31 million and then £35 million amid national economic instability at that time.
Re-design work meant some planned elements were lost – including a steam room, a sauna and a wellness suite – and some of the old building will be retained, refurbished and reused as part of the new design.
Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities, Coun Danielle Durrans, said the council understood people’s frustration.
“The project is very much under way.
“We have very much started demolition and the original sports hall is still in situ and I think that might raise a couple of questions with people, but that is going to be part of, and incorporated into, the new leisure centre.
“It is a huge and significant investment for Calderdale.”
As well as welcoming back regular users of the centre previously, the council also intends the re-opening – the aim is some time next year – will also attract people who might not previously have thought of using a sports, leisure and fitness facility, and staff are on board to help realise wider health benefits, she said.
Coun Durrans (Lab, Ovenden) said: “People keep telling us they are ready for their leisure centre back – we are all ready for that.
“And that’s why we’ve committed to this.
“We absolutely know that not just keeping people who are actually fit and well as well as they can be, but improving people’s well-being and fitness, is so important for all of our residents.
“We recognise the delay.
“It has been as frustrating for us as everyone else, but we are absolutely committed to that delivery,” she said.
At times when demolition diggers are not going about their work, but work was still going on, said Coun Durrans.
“When things might look a little bit quieter on site, I just want to reassure people that the foundation work is just as important,” she said.