Member Article

First glimpse of vision for new Greater Manchester leisure facility

Oldham Council and delivery partner, Willmott Dixon, have revealed exciting proposals for a new build sports centre in the area.

Artist’s impressions released today are the first look at a fresh and modern leisure facility to be located on Byron Street in Royton – opposite the site of the existing centre.

Baseline specifications for the new centre were approved in March 2012, but officers were then asked to further consider the potential mix of amenities and range of uses of the site to ensure better facilities that provide a lasting Olympic legacy.

The new facilities set to arrive at Royton boast:

• Six-lane 25-metre swimming pool with spectator seating
• 80-station fitness gym
• Two exercise/dance studios
• New 60-space car park
• New separate learner pool.

A planning application is due to be submitted for the latest design proposals at the end of February 2014.

The current Royton Sports Centre will not close until the new £8 million facility is complete – set to be Autumn 2015.

In October 2012, Willmott Dixon won the tender race to build the leisure facility following its successful delivery of a series of academy schools building projects across Oldham and its track record in the leisure sector.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, said: “These exciting images show that a huge step towards the regeneration of Royton is just round the corner.

“This stunning facility will complement the work already taking place in Royton district centre and the Council’s ‘Get Oldham Working’ scheme – which aims to provide employment opportunities for local people.

“We are thrilled to be able to now share these images with the public. Oldham Council and our partners are fully committed to providing a fantastic leisure facility here that will be fit for future generations.”

Detailed displays showing the design for the new state-of-the-art leisure centre – which will serve the Royton, Shaw and Crompton areas – will be located in the existing Royton Sports Centre, Crompton Pool and Royton Library, from the start of February.

Information sessions will also take place with residents, sports clubs and user groups.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Graham Vincent .