Council awards contract on £8m leisure centre redevelopment

Cheshire East Council has backed ‘exciting’ plans to develop Congleton Leisure Centre and awarded the contract to start the £8m redevelopment work.

Pulse Design & Build was appointed following an extensive procurement process.

The council’s project team will now work with Pulse Design & Build to undertake necessary preparatory work, consultation and surveys leading to the submission of a full planning application.

This is due to be concluded by March 2019. Redevelopment works are due to be completed by autumn 2020.

Cllr Liz Wardlaw, cabinet member with responsibility for leisure services, said: “With health and fitness very much in the headlines, our leisure services play such an important role in helping so many of our residents to live happier, healthier and longer lives.

“This investment in the redevelopment of the leisure centre underlines the council’s ongoing commitment to improving and modernising sport and leisure facilities across the borough and we are especially happy that customers will be able to continue to use the leisure centre whilst the extensive works are carried out.”

Paul Winrow, executive director at Everybody Sport and Recreation, said: “We are very much looking forward to working in partnership with Pulse Design & Build and Cheshire East Council to redevelop Congleton Leisure Centre.

“This investment will provide the local community with an exciting, modern leisure facility that not only enhances the offer for our existing users, but also welcomes people of all ages and abilities to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

“We will have plenty of activities to choose from – all of which will help people in Congleton and surrounding areas to live well for longer.”

Chris Johnson, managing director at The Pulse Group, said: “We are committed to support the local economy by using businesses from the area whenever possible during the build programme. We want to leave a legacy that all parties can be proud of.”

Subject to securing the necessary planning approvals, construction will take place over an 18-month period, which will see the construction of a new pool hall, including learner pool, thermal suite, inclusive soft play area, treatment rooms and a significantly-enhanced fitness offer.

The programme will ensure that as much of the leisure centre will remain operational while these works are completed, minimising the impact to centre users and the surrounding area where practicable.