The redevelopment of Hough End Leisure Centre has been completed as the community welcome the full reopening of the complex following an extensive programme to expand the offer for residents in south Manchester.
The state-of-the-art centre has been developed to become an important resource hub for the local community, featuring modern facilities and new equipment for both indoor and outdoor activities across a two-storey extension.
Providing a multi-faceted and sustainable space for sporting enthusiasts has been one of the driving forces behind the ambitious project, nurturing a rich sporting community in Manchester.
Already open to hundreds across Hough End, the new centre will make long-term growth and inclusivity a priority for people that have dealt with inequalities, offering a space for women and girls, ethnic communities and people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
The Hough End Leisure Centre and Playing Fields now offers:
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Extended 90-station gym area
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Changing facilities
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Health and Fitness Studios
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Cafe and bar
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Multi-functional community room
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Office space
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Storage facilities
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Two new Artificial Grass Pitches with fencing and floodlighting
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15 senior and junior grass football pitches
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2 Gaelic football pitches
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2 non-turf cricket wickets
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4 grass rugby pitches
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1 rugby stadium pitch
Open-7 days a week, over 20 community clubs, schools and leagues across sport are expected to benefit from the landmark site with ongoing work proposed to improve the pitches to include capacity for club training and recreational activities.
Further space has also been allocated for visitors arriving by car to prevent overflowing.
The Hough End Leisure Centre programme was developed in partnership with the City Council, McrActive, Sport England and the Football Foundation, which aims to support thousands of new and existing visitors to the centre.
More information about the centre and booking enquiries can be found at Hough End Leisure Centre.
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, said: “I’m pleased to see the extensive redevelopment of the Hough End Leisure Centre and its surrounding playing fields complete and now open for visitors following a dedicated collaboration with our partners to make this an investment that pours back into the local community.
“I hope this new centre will be a place where residents from all walks of life can enjoy varying sporting activities, enthusiasm for health and fitness and come together as a community under one roof.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.
“We’re delighted that the local community in South Manchester will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new Hub at Hough End Leisure Centre.”
“Thanks to the investment we receive from our funding partners, the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is working to deliver more Hubs like this across the country so that everyone can have access to great places to play.”