Sod-cutting marks formal start of MyActive Leek redevelopment

With work on the multi-million pound project to expand and fully modernise MyActive Leek (formerly Brough Park Leisure Centre) now underway, an official sod-cutting ceremony has taken place to mark this major milestone.

The £17 million project has been funded by £10.8m from the UK Government, £3m from the Council and, we are now delighted to confirm, £1.8m from Sport England and over £1.1m from Salix for decarbonisation measures as a result of successful applications.

When the new health and wellbeing facility re-opens in early 2026 it will feature:

·       A new six-lane, 25m main pool with accessible access points

·       A new learner pool for lessons, classes and casual use

·       A 60-station fitness gym - almost double the previous size

·       A new 25 bike immersive group cycling studio

·       A modern village changing area to serve the swimming pool areas

·       A fully-inclusive 'changing places' facility, supporting people with additional needs or disabilities

·       An improved café and reception area to relax and socialise in

·       A new community wellness suite to support people who are new to exercise, recovering from illness and injury or being referred by their GP

·       A new soft play to help children have fun and play

Chairman of the Staffordshire Moorlands Chairman, Councillor Ian Plant, and the Mayor of Leek, Councillor Barry Birch, joined District Council Leader, Councillor Mike Gledhill, ward councillors and representatives from the professional teams and the funding partners for the sod cutting.

Speaking at the event, Councillor Gledhill said: "This re-development is a real team effort which demonstrates collaborative working at its best. I'm delighted to welcome all our partners to Leek for this important milestone as we mark the formal start of the construction work.

"Together we're creating a state-of-the-art facility for our residents that present and future generations will enjoy for many decades to come - and it will be worth every penny.

"Staffordshire Moorlands will have a health and wellbeing facility to be proud of that will increase participation in activity, help make invaluable social connections and reduce our impact on the environment through valuable decarbonisation work."

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director for Place, Sport England, said: "The re-development of MyActive Leek is set to be an exciting project and one that will transform the lives of residents in surrounding communities by providing an affordable, inclusive and accessible leisure centre with a community feel.

"It will encourage wider participation in physical activity, helping to improve the health and wellbeing of all that use it; particularly those that are known to participate less, such as women and girls and those with a disability or long-term health conditions."

The funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will be used to install solar panels, LED lighting and an upgrade to the building management system.

Owain Davies, a client support officer at Salix, said: "I am looking forward to seeing how the works progress and supporting the Council on this very important net zero journey. The funding will not only help the building become more energy efficient but will create an even better resource for the local community."

The professional teams who have worked on the design and are now taking forward the construction phase include Speller Metcalfe, Abacus, Roberts Limbrick, Alliance Leisure Services and Design Active.

Find out more about the redevelopment project on our website.

Published on 18 November 2024