A first-class new leisure centre for Halifax is moving closer to reality, as work to partially demolish the old North Bridge Leisure Centre is in full swing.
Calderdale Council’s project to deliver a new leisure centre and swimming pool for all the borough’s diverse communities to enjoy is progressing well, with parts of the old building being taken down to prepare for construction to start on the new facility.
The demolition process involves stripping out internal fixtures and fittings, then using excavators and demolition equipment to reduce the building structure to ground level and remove the foundations.
Climate action is a Council and Calderdale-wide priority. As part of a sustainable approach to materials and construction, masonry and concrete from the demolition of the old buildings will be repurposed and processed on-site to be reused in the new leisure centre construction, and the old sports hall is being retained and refurbished.
The new Halifax Leisure Centre will include:
- A 120-station fitness suite, three multi-function studios and a dedicated spinning studio
- An eight-court sports hall
- A 25 metre six-lane swimming pool with spectator seating, and a learner pool with a viewing and seating area
- A Changing Places facility
- Wellbeing spaces
- A soft play and adventure area for children
- A café and community area
- Energy-efficient, sustainable features to contribute to Calderdale’s Climate Action Plan and target for net zero carbon emissions by 2038.
The Council is working with contractor Tilbury Douglas on the detailed designs, demolition and construction works.
Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Leader, visited the North Bridge site to see the demolition in progress. She said:
“It’s great to see this latest milestone progressing. It’s the end of an era as we say goodbye to the old leisure centre and move with excitement towards a new top-class sports, health and wellbeing facility for everyone in our communities, complementing our existing borough-wide facilities.
“It’s another example of the unprecedented investment underway across Halifax and Calderdale to support thriving towns and places for people and businesses.”
William Kay, Regional Director for Yorkshire and the North East at Tilbury Douglas, said:
“As this project moves into its next phase, our focus remains on creating a facility that genuinely enhances the wellbeing of people across Calderdale. Working closely with the Council, we’re shaping a space that supports healthier lifestyles, brings communities together and provides opportunities for future generations. This is an important investment in Halifax, and we’re committed to delivering a sustainable, high quality centre that reflects the needs and aspirations of the borough’s residents.”
Construction of the new leisure centre is estimated to be complete in 2027.
Think you know Halifax? Think again. It’s an inspiring time for Halifax. Discover your part in it(external link).
The new leisure centre and other projects support Vision 34 – a shared, long-term ambition to work towards over the next 10 years to make Calderdale a better place for everyone, based on the stories that unite us.
The Vision 34 themes are enterprising, opportunity, kind, welcoming, hope, heritage, nature and creativity. Through these themes, organisations and people from all walks of life are encouraged to share their positive stories about life in Calderdale.
Share your story on the My Calderdale Story website: https://my.walls.io/mycalderdalestory(external link)