Move Urmston leisure centre retrofit opens to great acclaim

Delivered by ISG through the North West Construction Hub framework, the refurbishment of Urmston Leisure Centre, to create Move Urmston, has officially opened after a two-year wait. Trafford Council’s investment of £7.5 million into this project is part of a continuing investment plan into indoor leisure across the borough.

The leisure centre, which originally opened in March 2020, but was quickly forced to close its doors again due to the COVID-19 restrictions, finally got to celebrate its official opening this month.

Trafford Council was able to retain the existing 25-metre swimming pool and sports hall, with the front section of the building being rebuilt to create a simple to navigate space with self-serve, digital reception services. The facilities also feature a seven-metre climbing wall, gym, two fitness studio spaces, a cycling studio, a five-court sports hall, two party rooms, a sensory room and brand new changing facilities. 

Trafford Council’s investment in the leisure centre is part of its strategy to support the health and wellbeing of residents through access to affordable, sustainable, accessible, exciting, modern leisure facilities. The refurbishment and the design ideas promoted by our partners 5 Plus Architects were also highlighted in the RIBA architecture journal.

In the article, the Council was also praised for its commitment to public health, as well as ensuring the centre was greener, more efficient and reduced its carbon footprint. The rebuilding work itself was hailed for its innovative use of natural light and ventilation that saves energy – and keeps users of the leisure centre cool. The limited demolition work involved also saved on embodied carbon.

The article noted that: ‘Urmston shows that reworking, repairing and retrofitting…can start to make a difference to the climate as well as to people’s lives.’