Next stage for £8.8m Congleton leisure centre refurb

Cheshire East Council has launched the search for a development partner to deliver the £8.8m revamp of Peter Mason Leisure Centre, as part of its regeneration plan for Congleton.

According to a prior information notice from the council, which usually proceeds the launch of a tender competition, Cheshire East “requires a solution from a development partner, to provide thorough modernisation or replacement” of the outdated leisure centre.

The redevelopment of the centre sits within the council’s regeneration plan for Congleton, which includes new public realm, road improvements and new-build developments.

The council said that it requires expert advice from within the leisure marketplace on the project.

The centre has been renamed after Peter Mason, a local councillor who died in 2014.

The council gave the go-ahead to work on a detailed business case for the Hankinson’s Field site in April 2015, and told the project board to explore alternative financial delivery models to find the best overall solution for local residents.

Peter Mason Leisure Centre is made up of two distinct elements, built at different times. The pool building envelope and facades are in poor condition, which Cheshire East said resulta in energy inefficiency. In addition, the current layout does not comply with design standards from Sport England and the Equality Act, which “makes it an extremely inefficient building and presents construction complications for some design options”.

If the redevelopment option is progressed, it is hoped that the new centre will open in 2017.