New images of Brough Park released as work gets underway

Published on 9 October 2024

Work to transform Brough Park Leisure Centre to deliver modern new facilities and services for the community is now underway after the final design was agreed following public consultation.

In April and May, over 340 people took part in consultation on the building design and how outside spaces could be better utilised - and these images released by the District Council give a further preview of what people can look forward to when the doors re-open.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet member for Leisure and Tourism, said: "It's great to get started on the physical work to transform this leisure centre into a wider health and wellbeing facility which will deliver state-of-the-art facilities and services for more people than ever before.

"A lot work has been done to get to this stage and I'd like to thank all those people who took the time to comment on the plans and share their views with us in the spring. Your input is important to us and your ideas and suggestions have been taken into consideration to get to this final design.

"We're delighted to share more details about that alongside some of the images that show what we all have to look forward to when the work is finished - and we can't wait to welcome everyone back when the centre re-opens in early 2026."

The main issues raised during the consultation related to spectator seating for people watching and supporting children in swimming lessons, particularly those children who may be young and lack confidence, and seating for swimming galas and events which would take place in the main pool.

To address these issues within the available budget and building footprint, the Council worked with its professional design team and architects - and a selection of different seating options will now be provided at both pools.

Tip-up seating at the teaching pool will provide viewing directly on poolside to complement the café seating which will be behind glazing. These seats will be available for people supporting small children and those lacking confidence in beginner stages of swimming lessons and other pool-based activities where more support may be needed.

Designs for the main pool have also been changed to introduce seating for up to 39 people during swimming club sessions and events. This seating will only be available for use during events and galas and will supplement the viewing for up to 60 people in the café/viewing area which overlooks both pools.

To address comments received from squash players about the temperature of the courts, a number of push button heaters will be installed which court users can activate as players warm up. New flooring outside the courts and directional signage will also help improve the overall experience for players and spectators.

More information about you what you told us - and what we've done as a result - is available on our website along with a list of frequently asked questions that we will continue to add to as the project progresses.

Councillor Swindlehurst added: "I hope this demonstrates to people that we have listened to what you've told us and acted on it where it is feasible to do so. We want the redeveloped leisure centre to offer something for everyone at the heart of the community.

"It's an exciting project and we'll be keeping you all updated on our progress as we transform the centre. In the meantime, don't forget that members can use our other leisure centres in Biddulph and Cheadle and many of the very popular classes are continuing to run at Birchall Pavilion - check the My Active website or contact your preferred centre for more details."