Halifax swimming pool and leisure centre plans gather pace

Calderdale Council is facing the prospect of a £12.2million maintenance and refurbishment bill over the next ten years for the current Halifax swimming pool and North Bridge Leisure centre sites.

However, a feasibility study carried out on the options for a new complex estimated that the construction cost of a new facility would come in at £12, 046, 214.

Council chiefs are now looking to approve funding for a full business case being developed that will have detailed designs and construction requirements for the North Bridge site.

Calderdale Council’s Chair of the Economy and Investment Panel, Councillor Barry Collins, said: “It’s really important that the leisure facilities in Halifax are fit for purpose, and meet the needs of people in the town.

“The current swimming pool is reaching the end of its useful life and we now have a real opportunity to progress plans for a new combined centre on the site of the current North Bridge complex.”

Members of the Economy and Investment Panel will consider a report by Mark Thompson, acting direct for economy and environment, to give the go-ahead for £185,000 to be used for the business study.

The initial feasibility study showed the construction of a new combined swimming pool and leisure facility on the existing North Bridge site, incorporating the retention and refurbishment of the existing main sports hall and viewing balcony, would provide the most cost effective solution.

“The future of Halifax town centre sports provision has been the subject of discussion and Cabinet papers for a number of years,” said Mr Thompson.

“A decision on the way forward has become critical as Halifax Swimming Pool is likely to fail in the short term (leading to loss of service) and a ‘do nothing’ option is therefore no longer viable.

“There is a now an opportunity to sustain the momentum of improvement in Halifax and develop a new sustainable combined leisure centre and swimming pool which meets modern leisure requirements.”

The Council will also look to create a Built Facilities Strategy to support a capital funding bid to Sport England who have recently launched a new investment programme which focuses on replacing ageing facilities.