Ashton Leisure Centre in Wigan set for £2.8m refurb

Ashton Leisure Centre in Wigan is getting an upgrade thanks to a £2.8m project to improve the facility.

The current building will be extended to house a new 80-station gym, group exercise studio and indoor cycling studio along with a new sauna, steam room and changing space.

Additionally, the project will include the installation of a synthetic pitch and multi-use games area.

Ashton Leisure Centre is the third facility to be upgraded as part of Wigan Council’s Deal for Health and Wellness, which has seen the authority invest £6m to help residents lead longer, healthier lives.

The council’s portfolio holder for Leisure Client and Resources, Cllr Paul Kenny, said: “I’m really pleased with the investment at Ashton Leisure Centre, as the improvements will help to enhance the current leisure offer available to residents in the area.

“This will help to reinforce the importance of helping local people to be active and healthy as part of the principles of the Deal for Health and Wellness.”

Social enterprise Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles will work with Preston-based Warden Construction on the delivery of the refurb.

Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles’ MD, Peter Burt, said: “Much like the facilities at Howe Bridge and Leigh leisure centres, the development at Ashton will improve our leisure and wellbeing offer by modernising and expanding the range of opportunities available.

“We have a very loyal customer base at Ashton who already enjoy the facilities, and through this major refurbishment we will be providing a more rounded and complete experience hopefully encouraging many more people to get active and healthy.”

Phase one of the project will get underway on Monday (January 30) and take 12 months to complete.

A temporary gym will be installed on the site of the overflow car parking ahead of July’s main extension works, which are due for completion by December.

The full refurbishment is scheduled to be completed by January next year.