Plans for new pool and leisure complex

Artists' impression of how a new sports centre and swimming pool at North Bridge Leisure Centre in Halifax could look

Architects are in the process of drawing up detailed plans for a new leisure and swimming facility on the site of the current North Bridge Leisure Centre site.

In a feasibility study carried out in 2015 regarding the future of facilities in Halifax, it revealed that ‘without urgent investment, it is considered likely that Halifax Pool in particular will need to be closed on safety grounds within the next two years’.

The age of Halifax Swimming Pool and North Bridge Leisure Centre is also becoming a pressing issue with regards maintenance cost and potential loss of revenue through downtime and newer private facilities becoming available according to the report.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, Councillor Barry Collins, said: “Work is ongoing on plans for a new, combined swimming pool and leisure centre facility on the site of the existing North Bridge Leisure Centre in Halifax.

“AHR Architects Limited has now been appointed as designer, and is working on detailed design and construction requirements to be presented to Calderdale Council’s Cabinet for consideration.

“The proposals will then be consulted upon in due course.”

It is being proposed that when the new provision is built swimming facilities should be provided that are suitable to accommodate use by children learning to swim, swimming for fun, swimming for fitness and competition swimming.

As a minimum, a 25m x 6-lane pool shall be provided suitably equipped for competition including lane ropes, starting blocks, electronic timing and touch pads.

As a minimum, the swimming facilities should be able to accommodate at least 100 spectators.

A fitness suite will be equipped with an appropriate mix of high quality cardiovascular and resistance machines (120 minimum pieces) in accordance with good practice and current guidelines.

Two multi-purpose studios are being proposed as well as a spinning studio and sports hall with a minimum of eight courts which is sized to latest Sport England dimensions and court layouts.