Delivery of the new Halifax Leisure Centre has moved a step forward, as the latest designs have been submitted for planning approval.

Calderdale Council has refined the designs to ensure the project is financially sustainable whilst delivering fantastic new leisure facilities in a central location, which are accessible and affordable, support people’s health and wellbeing, boost the local economy and contribute to climate action.

The revised plans take into account all opportunities to reduce costs in the context of national inflation pressures. They include:

1. A six-lane swimming pool with spectator seating, a learner pool with a viewing and seating area, a refurbished eight-court sports hall, a 120-station fitness suite, two multi-functional studios, a dedicated cycling studio, a children’s soft play and adventure area, a tag game arena and a café and community area.

2. A wet changing village and a Changing Places facility for disabled people, and separate dry change facilities for sports hall and gym use.

3. Energy-efficient, sustainable features to contribute to Calderdale’s Climate Action Plan and the borough’s target for net zero carbon emissions by 2038. For example, air source heat pumps to provide energy-efficient, low-carbon heat.

The design updates will be considered as part of a ‘non-material amendment’ to the existing planning application. Subject to approval, the designs will then be developed in more detail.

CouncillorTim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader, said:

“Moving forward with the Halifax Leisure Centre plans highlights our ongoing commitment to an ambitious future for the town. One where more people can be active and healthy in modern, energy-efficient leisure facilities, which add to the wider regeneration that’s helping Halifax to thrive."

“We have balanced this level of ambition with work on cost reduction to keep most of the original designs the same, but with some tweaks that will enable us to deliver this exciting project within the available budget, given the significant financial pressures facing all councils.”

Councillor Jenny Lynn, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, added:

“We know how important it is to have great leisure facilities in Halifax that all our diverse communities can use and afford."

“We are confident that the updated designs for the new Leisure Centre uphold the Active Calderdale mission to get more people active more often, supporting the clear link between physical activity and health and wellbeing, and reducing inequalities.”

Calderdale Council was awarded £12.2 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support the development of the new Halifax Leisure Centre.