Tilbury Douglas Starts Work on £35m Halifax Leisure Centre
- Michael Ghobrial
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Construction has started on Halifax’s new £35 million leisure centre, set to transform health, fitness, and community services for thousands of residents. The project, led by Tilbury Douglas for Calderdale Council, replaces the outdated North Bridge Leisure Centre and Halifax Swimming Pool with a single, modern destination. Backed by £12 million in government funding and targeting net zero carbon by 2038, this centre will play a key part in Calderdale’s regeneration push.
A Vision for the Community
The Halifax Leisure Centre is designed to serve as a hub for health and fitness, offering extensive amenities tailored to meet the diverse needs of the local population. With a commitment to promoting physical activity and overall wellbeing, the centre will feature a range of facilities, including:
A six-lane main swimming pool with spectator seating
A learner pool for children and beginners
A refurbished eight-court sports hall for various sports
A 120-station fitness suite packed with modern equipment
Flexible studios for group workouts and classes
A cycling studio catering to spinning enthusiasts
A soft play area for toddlers
A café and designated community spaces for events and gatherings
This dedication to inclusivity ensures that everyone in the Halifax area can benefit from the centre, regardless of age or physical ability.
Prioritizing Accessibility and Comfort
As part of its commitment to creating an inclusive environment, the Halifax Leisure Centre will include a wet changing village and a Changing Places facility specifically designed for disabled users. Separate dry changing rooms will also be accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
The thoughtfulness in the design reflects an understanding of the community's needs. By providing facilities that accommodate various requirements, the centre aims to remove barriers that may prevent individuals from engaging in physical activities.
Project Overview
• Location: North Bridge, Halifax town centre
• Investment: £35 million
• Funders: Calderdale Council, UK
Government (£12 million grant), additional external funding sought
• Facilities: Six-lane main pool with spectator seating, learner pool, eight-court sports hall, 120-station fitness suite, multi-function studios, cycling studio, soft play and adventure area, café, community spaces, and Changing Places facilities
• Design: Modern accessibility, energy-efficient construction, green technologies (air source heat pumps, innovative filtration, rainwater harvesting)
Delivery Partners & Key
Stakeholders
Client: Calderdale Council
Main Contractor: Tilbury Douglas
Designer: AEW Architects
Funding partners: UK Government, Levelling Up Fund
Key stakeholders: Local schools/ colleges, sports clubs, health organisations, community groups, local residents
Consultation: Extensive public engagement, over 500 responses influencing design
Funding and Support
The project is buoyed by over £12 million in government funding, a significant investment in the community's future. This support reflects the recognition of the project's benefits not just for Halifax but also for the surrounding areas. Further funding is being sought to ensure that all aspects of the project are given the necessary financial backing to thrive.
The combination of community investment and government support demonstrates a collective commitment to improving local facilities and promoting health and wellness among residents.
Construction Details
• Site clearance, demolition, groundworks, and tree protection underway
• Main building: Steel frame with composite concrete floors, lightweight clear-span roof
• Sustainable features: Energy-efficient heating, green roofs, water harvesting, accessible changing
areas
• New car parking, improved site landscaping, modern culvert/ drainage upgrades
A New Era for Halifax
As Tilbury Douglas progresses with the Halifax Leisure Centre, the impact on the community will undoubtedly be profound. This project exemplifies how modern facilities, when thoughtfully designed, can enhance the quality of life for those they serve.
The investment in leisure and fitness facilities not only supports individual health journeys but also strengthens community ties. By prioritizing accessibility and sustainability, the Halifax Leisure Centre is poised to become a model for future developments in the region.
Community members eagerly await the chance to explore this innovative space, with its promise of healthy living, diverse activities, and inclusive support systems.
In a world that increasingly values wellness and community engagement, the Halifax Leisure Centre stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all.
As we continue to watch this project unfold, one can only imagine the vibrant hub of activity and connection it will soon become, enriching the lives of Halifax residents for generations to come.
Timeline
Detailed design phase: 2025
Enabling works, demolition, surveys: Mid-late 2025
Main construction: 2026 to 2027
Opening: Planned for late 2027
Strategic Importance
Halifax Leisure Centre is a key part of Calderdale's £200 million regeneration plan, supporting health and wellbeing, promoting active lifestyles, and improving urban public space. It's a flagship for sustainable building, targeting net zero carbon, and boosting community links.
Construction Opportunities
• Main build contracts (structural, civil, fit-out, MEP)
• Supply of green building materials and low-carbon systems
• Soft landscaping, cycle paths, accessibility features
• Project management for complex leisure and health-led sites
• Partnerships with community organisations for long-term operations
Writer's Opinion
Halifax's new leisure centre shows how good investment in local infrastructure can reshape a town beyond just adding new buildings. It's about healthy living, community pride, and sustainability, done with genuine care. Tilbury Douglas and the council have set a solid example of how you work with local people to get something modern, accessible, and future-proof. If you work in UK leisure construction or regeneration, this is the sort of project to watch and learn from as new standards are set.
