Kier awarded £20m leisure centre refurbishment project

Kier has been appointed by Trafford Council to deliver a £20m refurbishment of Altrincham Leisure Centre.

The project was procured through the Northwest Construction Hub Framework and will include considerable upgrades to the existing centre as well as a new extension which will have several first-class new amenities.

The new scheme incorporates roof mounted photovoltaic panels (PV) and two large Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), which saves in the region of 444 Tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) per annum and means the existing gas supply is removed entirely from the Leisure Centre.

Operational efficiency measures will include the use of pool covers, advanced heat recovery on air systems and the option for pre-scheduled running times.

The extension will include a 25m swimming pool, a 20m leisure pool, pool pods to aid disabled and ambulant access to the pools, a health and wellbeing spa, a wellness assessment room, a state-of-the-art fitness space, two group exercise studio spaces, a cycle studio and other sports facilities. The new lobby will feature a pool viewing area, a café as well as access to an inclusive changing area.

The project will deliver strong social sustainability outcomes, with the team providing 16 weeks of work placements, 45 hours of local school and college engagement and over 16 hours of volunteering time to support local community projects.

Sean Fenner, managing director at Kier Construction North and Scotland, said: “We look forward to working with Trafford Council to transform Altrincham Leisure Centre. Not only will the building deliver first class wellness and fitness facilities, but it will also provide significant sustainability benefits that will positively impact local residents for years to come.”

Cllr Cath Hynes, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships, said: “The health and wellbeing of residents in our communities is extremely important to us and I am delighted that we are completely transforming Altrincham Leisure Centre into an amazing 21st century facility for everyone to enjoy.

“This is not just a lick of paint – we will be totally transforming this centre – like we did at move Urmston and the results will be just as impressive. We are investing millions of pounds into this project as we believe that is the right thing to do to ensure that residents are given top-class facilities to help them improve their health, fitness and wellbeing.”

Works have now started and the project is due to be completed in Summer 2024.