Plans in for £20m Widnes leisure centre

Contractor Wates Construction has submitted plans on behalf of Halton Council for a 50,000 sq ft leisure complex on Moor Lane. 

The property is to be built next to the Alexandra Industrial Estate, which is located off Moor Lane and bordered by Ellis Street and Witt Road. It is currently used as a bus depot and space for a car hire company.

The facility will feature a 25-metre swimming pool and 100-station gym, a sports hall, squash court and soft play area, and is expected to be completed by October 2022.

The centre, designed by architects Ellis Williams, will replace Widnes’ ageing Kingsway Leisure Centre.  

The £20m project has been in the council’s development pipeline since 2018, when it commissioned Wates to undertake a feasibility study for a new leisure centre. 

The scheme has since been procured via the major UK works part of the Scape National Construction framework, and adds to Wates’ leisure credentials. The company was also the contractor on Sands Leisure Centre in Carlisle.  

Dave Saville, business unit director for Wates Construction in the North West, said: “This leisure centre represents a major placemaking opportunity for Widnes.

“Alongside Halton Council and our architects, we’ve thoughtfully designed this project to meet the health and wellbeing needs of as many people as possible and provide a community hub that can be enjoyed for generations to come.” 

Cllr Phil Harris, the council’s portfolio holder for sport and leisure, added: “The proposals are for a centre that is fit for purpose in terms of accessibility and sustainability. 

“It will be open to all, with a design that is also dementia-friendly, and make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our residents. We are also exploring virtual reality-related exercise in the spinning studio.”

The scheme is the latest for Wates Construction in the North West, with the team also delivering St. Helens Fire Station, Whitehaven Academy and the new Liverpool Cruise Terminal Hotel at present. 

The complex will feature a 25-metre swimming pool and other sports facilities