Work under way on £15m sports complex

Tameside centre

Work has started on a new £15m health and community centre in Tameside.

Work on the Tameside Wellness Centre started after a construction contract was signed by Tameside Council and developers Network Space.

Sport England has also backed the project, which combines leisure, community and wellness facilities, with a £1.5m grant.

Network Space is building the new centre on brownfield land next to the new Denton link road, Lance Corporal Andrew Breeze Way, in Denton.

The centre, at the former Oldham Batteries site, will have an eight-lane, 25 metre, competition swimming pool with room for 150 spectators, learner pool, a spa area including sauna, steam and treatment facilities, fitness suite and ten-pin bowling alley.

There will also be meeting rooms, free wi-fi, a children’s soft play area and multi-use studio spaces.

Instead of a foyer there will be a social interaction zone – a cultural area that could host everything from a history talk to a string quartet, to children’s ‘Time for a Rhyme’ sessions or just used to relax and read the books available.

The roof space will be transformed into a sensory garden and could also be used for a pop-up cinema, small theatre or open air exercise space.

The architecturally striking centre has been designed by Pozzoni Architecture to be accessible by all, with disabled access to the swimming pool and dementia friendly design used throughout the development.

The project won planning approval in July 2018 with an expected completion date of spring 2020.

Willmott Dixon has been appointed for the construction and the centre will be managed by Active Tameside.

Tameside Council leader Brenda Warrington said: “I’m thrilled that work is underway to build Tameside Wellness Centre and I can’t wait for this exciting development to be ready for our residents.

“It will not only extend the range of top-class sports and leisure facilities that Tameside offers but include wellness facilities for all, from a children’s soft play area to dementia friendly designs, as well as innovative features, such as a rooftop sensory garden.

“We want to support people in keeping as active and healthy as possible and Tameside Wellness Centre will provide even more exciting activities and options that everyone can benefit from.

“I’m delighted with the backing and funding that Sport England is providing and the support of our partners in bringing these fabulous designs to realisation.”

Network Space has been providing industrial workspace, office and leisure schemes for over 35 years and have previously delivered the St Helens Rugby League stadium.

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