Halewood residents can look forward to major improvements being delivered at Volair Halewood Leisure Centre, with works to commence on external improvements from Monday 21 September.
The external works will include:
- Three new multi-use games areas (MUGAs) providing high-quality, flexible spaces for a range of sports and recreational activities, including football, basketball and other community sports
- New floodlighting installations to support increased use of the facilities during evenings and throughout the winter months, helping to maximise opportunities for sport and physical activity
- Enhanced CCTV coverage to improve site security, promote a safer environment for visitors, and help protect the new facilities
- General lighting improvements across the site to improve visibility, accessibility and the overall user experience for visitors arriving on foot, by bicycle or by car
- Improved landscaping and public realm works, including new planting, enhanced green spaces and improvements to the appearance of the leisure centre surroundings
- Additional car parking provision to increase capacity, help accommodate growing demand, and improve access for visitors attending activities and events at the site
- Accessibility and site improvements to support easier movement around the leisure centre and create a more welcoming environment for all users
- Investment in community sporting infrastructure to encourage participation in physical activity, support local clubs and organisations, and provide enhanced facilities for residents of all ages.
- A new off-road public cycleway will connect the East of Halewood development with Halewood town centre, providing a safer and more accessible route for cyclists and pedestrians. The scheme will improve local connectivity, support active travel and help residents access key services and amenities more sustainably.
These works are expected to take around 12 months to complete.
Ongoing investment and improvements
The investment in Halewood Leisure Centre 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.
A significant upgrade to the all-weather pitch facilities was completed earlier this year, while a general modernisation of the inside of the Leisure Centre is already well underway. An upgrade of the swimming facilities, which includes a full replacement of the moveable swimming pool floor and fully refurbished changing rooms, will be completed in October.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Delivering improvements to leisure facilities is a key element of our Halewood investment masterplan. These improvement works will provide significant benefits to the community and I’m delighted to see the plans take another step forward.”
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “These works will significantly enhance the outdoor facilities and improve the area around the Leisure Centre, ensuring it will be a long-term asset for the wider community. I’m sure Volair members and the Halewood community will be delighted to see these exciting investment plans progress with ‘spades in the ground’.”
£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.