Todmorden News

Flagship Leisure Centre Planned For Halifax

Plans for a flagship leisure and swimming pool complex located at the North Bridge Leisure Centre site in Halifax were approved by Calderdale Councillors last night. And they have voted to allocate £2million from the Council’s reserves towards the cost of the project. Members of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet approved a proposal to explore the possibility of centralising and upgrading swimming and leisure facilities in Halifax at the North Bridge Leisure Centre site.

Councillors discussed the findings of a feasibility study undertaken and presented by architects Bowker Sadler considering options for delivering swimming and leisure facilities in Halifax.

Councillor Amanda Byrne, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development said:

“If the plans go ahead the new swimming, diving and fitness facilities will need to fit in with and complement the existing centre. The initial designs include some exciting solutions to this issue and include a dedicated crèche and remodelled reception area as well as upgrades to the mechanical and electrical installations.”

Councillor Ian Cooper, Cabinet Member for Community Services said:

“By providing fit for purpose facilities on one site we could offer an improved service to the public as well as reducing our running costs and energy consumption.”

Halifax Pool, located on a separate site to North Bridge Leisure Centre, is over 40 years old and in need of improvements and investment to bring it up to modern standards.

Any plans would be subject to full public consultation as well as a funding package and business plan which would be presented to and considered by a future Cabinet meeting.

The provision of new leisure facilities meets the council’s objectives for improved facilities for local residents and will contribute to the council’s priority of Healthier Communities.