Member Article

£31m earmarked to boost leisure centres in Salford

Press release

22nd February 2017

£31m earmarked to boost leisure centres in Salford

Ambitious plans to boost sporting facilities over the next decade in Salford have now been tabled.

The new proposals have been pulled together by Salford Community Leisure which operates leisure facilities on behalf of Salford City Council. SCL has been working with Sport England on the strategic plan for the future to cope with population increases and more demand.

This week a Salford City Council Cabinet meeting discussed a sports package which will see more than £31 million of investment spread over the next 10 years.

As part of the plans, Worsley and Eccles leisure centres would see a combined total of £3 million of upgrades with new fitness suites and studio spaces being created.

And Ordsall and Langworthy leisure centres could be combined on a new site to create a £15million state-of-the art facility.

Broughton leisure centre would be upgraded with £5million of investment and a new £12 million leisure centre would be built in Swinton to replace Swinton and Pendlebury leisure centre.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “These ambitious plans set out what we want for the future of this city.

“We are not standing still and want to make sure that we have the best facilities possible for the people of Salford. It has taken two years to get to this stage so far.

“Physical inactivity costs the city £5.4million in health costs a year. And evidence shows that active people are less likely to suffer from heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes and may live five years longer. We need good facilities in accessible locations, on key public transport routes, as it encourages people to exercise.”

Steve Hassall, Chief Executive of Salford Community Leisure, said “This vital investment is fantastic news. We’re committed to enhancing the lives of people in Salford through sport opportunities, so we’ve worked hard to secure this funding as we understand the importance of improving sports facilities in the city. It will enable us to deliver quality services in state of the art facilities for both current members and enable the next generation to discover the many benefits of sport participation.”

It is estimated the leisure centre proposals will save more than £6million in maintenance fees over the period.

Funding for the projects will come from capital budgets and the council would be able to bid for grants.

ENDS

Press enquiries: Alison Short at Project Communications on 07530 732 071

email projectcommunicationsAS@gmail.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Alison Short .