Following a successful planning application by Hyndburn Borough Council, Alliance Leisure has been appointed to deliver a new build leisure and sport centre at Wilsons Playing Fields, Clayton-le-moors, Lancashire.

The new £12 million development being delivered in partnership with Sport England, will include a four-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, a fitness suite, sauna & steam room, group exercise studio, café, large changing village and dedicated changing facilities that will service teams making use of the various outdoor sports facilities. Funding for the project has been allocated by Hyndburn Borough Council as part of the borough’s leisure transformation plan.

Speaking of the development, Councillor Marlene Haworth, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, says: “The development of the new leisure and sports centre is part of our ongoing commitment to provide everyone in our community with the leisure and social opportunities they need to prosper. The modern building will complement the existing outdoor sports facilities creating opportunities for the whole community to enjoy a wide variety of activities both as participants and as spectators. This investment will provide a community facility that drives health and happiness for many years to come.”

In addition to creating a modern activity and sports hub, designed to meet the specific needs of the community, the new building will be designed to optimise energy efficiencies. Air source heat pumps, solar panels and the utilisation of the very latest Low and Zero Carbon Technologies will all support the council’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2030.

All works are to be delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) and led by leisure development specialists, Alliance Leisure, working in close partnership with ISG to deliver the construction works, in full consultation with Hyndburn Borough Council and Hyndburn Leisure.

Councillor Marlene Haworth continues: “Every effort has been made to ensure the finished centre will answer the specific needs of our community. Alliance Leisure has been instrumental in supporting us through the planning application and development of the project, undertaking detailed surveys and reports, and assembling a best-in-class project team to see this concept through to completion. Working with Alliance through the UK Leisure Framework, we will ensure efficiencies and expertise at every stage of the build, ensuring every penny invested delivers a positive return to the community.”

Works on the new leisure and sport centre are scheduled to begin early in 2024. It is anticipated the new facilities will be completed in the Spring of 2025.

Tom Gardner, Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure, says: “We are delighted to continue our partnership and leisure development journey with Hyndburn Borough Council and Hyndburn Leisure. This is a hugely exciting project that reflects our commitment to enhancing community wellbeing and creating innovative, sustainable leisure spaces. This project is not just about re-creation; it is an opportunity to provide facilities that are not only fit for purpose, but also environmentally conscious, and will create social value through its development to further benefit the local community.”