The new Cath Thom Leisure Centre at Wilson Sports Village has opened to the public, the latest project successfully delivered by Alliance Leisure for Hyndburn Borough Council.

Funded by the Council and Sport England, the circa £13 million scheme sets a new benchmark for delivering cost-effective, inclusive and sustainable facilities tailored to the needs of the local community.

The project faced a setback following the collapse of the original contractor, ISG, which went into administration in September 2024. Works restarted in January 2025 after the appointment of Universal Civils and Build under the UK Leisure Framework, allowing the development to complete in line with the original scope, specification and quality standards.

Tom Gardner, Business Development Manager at Alliance Leisure, said: “We are incredibly proud to be delivering our sixth project with Hyndburn Borough Council, and this one feels particularly special. The Cath Thom Leisure Centre will make a real difference to people’s lives, creating opportunities for the community to be active, to connect and to thrive together. This journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but the determination and vision shown by the Council has been inspiring. We are delighted to play our part in bringing this landmark facility to life, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have for future generations.”

Designed by Pozzoni, the facility is one of the key environmentally responsible buildings in the borough, achieving an impressive A-rated energy efficiency thanks to high-performance construction materials, innovative design features and rigorous quality controls.

The centre’s fossil fuel-free heating, cooling and hot water systems are powered by energy-efficient technologies and supported by solar panels, dramatically reducing the building’s carbon footprint. These measures reduce carbon emissions and running costs, while placing the centre on the cusp of an A+ rating, supporting the Council’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon activities by 2030.

Named in honour of Cath Thom, the late Councillor for Clayton-Le-Moors, Mayor of Hyndburn and Honorary Alderman, the single-storey building is fully accessible with full level access throughout and wide corridors and doors to make movement easier for everyone. Other features include dedicated accessible showers, toilets and changing facilities as well as a fully equipped Changing Places room for those who need extra space and support.

The 25m swimming pool is equipped with the Poolpod 3.0; a platform lift system offering a safe, dignified and independent entry experience. The centre also has clear and concise signage with added symbols and Braille, while blinds installed between the café and pool area give users the option of privacy when using the pool. The centre has also made provision for accessible parking spaces, with ramps, handrails and outdoor seating to help visitors feel welcome and comfortable.

Set within Wilson Sports Village, alongside woodland paths, a running track and outdoor pitches, facilities at the centre also include a fitness suite, multi-purpose studio, sauna and steam room, café, changing village and external changing facilities for outdoor sports users.

Cllr Munsif Dad, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “The Cath Thom Leisure Centre has been a real success story for Hyndburn. Alliance Leisure’s experience and hands-on approach helped us deliver the project to a high standard. Their experience during a difficult period in the early construction was invaluable. With support from Sport England and other partners, we’ve created a fantastic, accessible, low carbon leisure facility which will provide opportunities for sport and physical activity for generations to come.”

The project follows decarbonisation and energy efficiency works at Hyndburn Leisure centre in addition to the refurbishment of the centre’s 3G pitch and LED lighting. All works have been delivered by the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, with Alliance Leisure appointed as the council’s development partner.