Calderdale edges towards Halifax Leisure Centre appointment
The local authority expects to appoint a contractor soon and complete final designs for the facility, to be built at the site of the former North Bridge centre.
An update issued by Calderdale Council said that a number of organisations responded with an expression of interest when the opportunity was shared with the market in August 2024, and that those have now been invited to submit a tender response.
The next stage will be the appointment of a contractor, and work to start on the final designs in 2025.
In common with leisure centre projects in other parts of the country – Willmott Dixon stepped away from one project in Newcastle last autumn – costs have been a concern, with the expected final price moving north of £30m, from an originally expected £28m.
The project was paused, with AEW Architects then brought in to rethink the project. Amended plans were approved in spring this year. The £12.2m backing secured from the Levelling Up Fund remains in place.
Proposals include:
- a 120-station fitness suite;
- a refurbished eight court sports hall;
- six-lane swimming pool with spectator seating;
- learner pool with viewing and seating area;
- wet changing village;
- Changing Places facility;
- separate dry change facilities for gym and sports hall use;
- two multi-function studios;
- a dedicated cycling studio;
- children’s soft play and adventure area;
- tag game arena;
- and a café and community area.
Calderdale is now working with Planning Potential and Services Design Associates on the project.
