Climbing, skating and active play facilities have been added to the new-look Howe Bridge Leisure Centre near Manchester, forming the final piece of the puzzle in the site’s £2.9m transformation.

Completion of the new adventure zone means the site is now fully operational after an 11-month redevelopment. The adventure zone features a bespoke skate park also suitable for BMXs and scooters, an interactive adventure climbing area and an adventure play facility offering junior fitness classes and sports sessions.

Wigan Council has invested £2.4m into the project, while WLCT secured an additional £500,000 from the National Lottery’s Sport England Improvement Fund.

Phase one of the project saw the installation of a new Technogym-equipped 80-station gym, sauna and steamroom, indoor cycling studio, group exercise studio and new changing rooms. In addition, a 3G FIFA 2 star pitch has been introduced on-site.

The redevelopment of the WLCT-operated centre has been carried out by leisure specialists Alliance Leisure, in partnership with ISG construction and Pozzoni architects.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to deliver this project in partnership with the Trust and Wigan Council,” said James Foley of Alliance Leisure.

“We are certain that the increase in participation and revenues resulting from phase one of the project, will be matched with the introduction of the new adventure zone, and importantly in introducing ‘new’ participants to an active lifestyle.”