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Big leap forward for new Halifax leisure centre

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Artist impression of what the new Halifax Leisure Centre may look like.

Published:

Related project: Halifax Leisure Centre

In a major milestone for Halifax’s brand new leisure centre for everyone, work to prepare for construction has started at North Bridge.

At the same time, the detailed design stage – the final step before the building phase starts – is progressing well, ensuring every detail for the new centre is meticulously planned and construction-ready.

As part of the unprecedented investment in regeneration across Halifax and Calderdale to support towns to thrive, the Council is working with contractor Tilbury Douglas to deliver a new leisure centre that will support health and wellbeing and boost the local economy. 

The new leisure centre will include:

  • A main six-lane swimming pool with spectator seating, a learner pool, a refurbished eight-court sports hall, a 120-station fitness suite, three multi-functional studios, a dedicated cycling studio, a children’s soft play and adventure area, and a café and community area.
  • Wellbeing spaces, where health and community organisations can locate services, creating closer connections between health, leisure and active wellbeing.
  • A wet changing village and a Changing Places facility for disabled people, and separate dry change facilities for sports hall and gym use. The Council is working with Visits Unlimited to ensure the facilities are accessible for all.
  • Energy-efficient, sustainable features to contribute to Calderdale’s Climate Action Plan and the borough’s target for net zero carbon emissions by 2038. Air source heat pumps will provide energy-efficient, low-carbon heat, and underground environmental systems will collect and slowly release rainwater to help prevent flooding.

Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said:

“Delivering a brand new leisure centre for everyone is a significant investment in the future of Halifax, the wider borough and people’s health and wellbeing. It’s brilliant to be moving forward with this key aspiration for the town, which is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver high-quality sports, leisure, wellbeing and social facilities.

“The designs are looking fantastic and we’re getting closer to the modern, accessible and sustainable leisure destination taking shape. As a keen swimmer, I’m looking forward to being able to swim in the new pool.”

Cllr Danielle Durrans, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, added:

“Calderdale’s Vision 34 is to be a place that’s full of opportunity. We want everyone in Calderdale, whatever their background or ability, to have every chance to be more active more often, with good health and wellbeing.

“The new leisure centre is a big step forward in making sure everyone in our diverse communities has access to top-quality sports and recreational facilities. Inclusivity has been built into the design from the outset, showing our commitment to creating a welcoming place for all.”

Paul Ellenor, Regional Director for Yorkshire and the North East at Tilbury Douglas, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Calderdale Council on this landmark leisure scheme, which will bring first class facilities to the heart of Halifax. The new centre will not only promote healthier lifestyles and wellbeing for local people, but will also deliver sustainable, modern spaces that meet the needs of the whole community for generations to come. It’s exciting to see work now underway on site, marking an important step towards realising this transformational project.”

The work on site to prepare for construction includes installing safety fencing around the site, demolishing the buildings around the sports hall, site investigation, essential groundwork, tree protection, and updating condition surveys for the culvert and drainage systems.

Construction of the new leisure centre is estimated to be complete in 2027.

Until then, North Bridge car park will close so construction can take place safely and effectively. The temporary closure begins Monday 22 September 2025.