Halewood residents can look forward to a major investment in Volair Halewood Leisure Centre, as part of the wider £30m investment in the town.
Improvements have begun already, and the major aspects will be delivered in different phases during 2026.
The upgrade includes internal and external improvements and a major programme of decarbonisation that will help reduce long-term operating costs and make the centre more energy efficient, supporting the Council’s 2040 net zero agenda.
Initial work has already commenced to deliver a significant upgrade to the all-weather pitch facilities, which includes installing covered spectator facilities, an upgrade to LED floodlighting to reduce light overspill and new acoustic fencing. The upgrade will benefit players of all ages, clubs, spectators, parents and match officials and boost the pedigree of the venue for football. The improvements will enable Volair’s resident club Halewood Apollo FC to progress through the football pyramid.
External improvements
Plans have also been submitted to deliver the following:
- General landscaping and biodiversity improvements
- Three new multi-use games areas to extend access to sports via Volair
- An area reserved for future sports facilities to the west of the site
- Reconfiguration, increase and improvement in car parking
- Installation of floodlights, CCTV and general lighting
- A potential temporary pop-up area to the south of the existing leisure centre for potential village market days
- A proposed coach drop-off area to the east of the site allowing direct access to the leisure centre for potential community and educational groups visiting the site.
Internal upgrade
A general modernisation will be completed during 2026.
Volair members can already benefit from a complete upgrade of the gym, including all new gym equipment throughout, that Volair completed at the end of November 2025.
All other internal works will be undertaken on a phased basis, over several months, to help minimise disruption. Work includes:
- Full replacement of the moveable swimming pool floor, to ensure access for all ages and abilities, along with the retiling of the poolside area.
- All poolside changing cubicles will be replaced and the male and female changing rooms, showers and toilets will undergo a major refurbishment.
- The works to both the pool and the poolside changing facilities will require a temporary closure of the pool facilities for approximately four months. Whilst these works are undertaken Volair customers are welcome to utilise the other pool facilities across the borough
- Creation of a dedicated spin studio and a multi-use studio.
- Improvements and remodelling works to the main reception area
- Refurbishment and modernisation of all internal areas from reception through to the corridors.
Volair will regularly update its members of planned works. Members are advised to ensure their contact details are up to date to assist.
Decarbonisation
Much of the investment work carried out will be unseen but will be vital in supporting the sustainability of the facility. A key element of Knowsley Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan is to reduce carbon emissions from our buildings within the borough. The decarbonisation will involve replacing the aging gas boiler system with an all-electric, low carbon, air source heat pump and its building management system. It will also include an LED retrofit programme and the installation of solar panels to enable the buildings to self-produce a portion of its electrical needs.
The instillation of the air source heat pumps has the potential to deliver an annual carbon saving of over 320 tonnes of CO2e per annum, providing a significant reduction in energy costs.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “This is fantastic news for all Halewood residents and customers of Volair Halewood. Delivering improvements to leisure facilities is a key element of our Halewood investment masterplan. There will be tangible improvements that customers of the centre will benefit from visibly but also important significant ‘unseen’ work that will provide long-term benefits. As we carry out the upgrade and refurbishment there will inevitably be some periods of disruption to users. I would ask everyone to bear with us during these works as I’m sure people will be delighted with the end result!”
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “I’m sure Volair members and the wider Halewood community will be excited by these investment plans. Not only will this investment deliver significant improvements to indoor and outdoor facilities, it will make Halewood Leisure Centre far more eco-friendly, helping us to achieve our net zero 2040 target.”
Proposals are subject to approval from Knowsley Council’s Planning Committee.
£30m investment in Halewood
Knowsley Council secured £15.3m UK Government funding (now Local Regeneration Fund) and an additional £2.5 million from the City Region Sustainable Travel Settlement to invest in Halewood. In addition, the Council has secured around £13m in Section 106 contributions from developers delivering the East of Halewood housing development. This investment is already being ploughed into improved services and facilities in Halewood, meaning that over £30 million will be invested in Halewood in the coming years.
The investment plans for Halewood are to create a sustainable neighbourhood where residents have access to high quality recreation and leisure facilities, improved transport connections and an enhanced retail offer.