Leisure centre refurbishment progressing well despite setbacks

Refurbishment of one of the borough’s major leisure centres is progressing well despite setbacks beyond the control of the council.

The principal contractor – Pulse Design and Build – has told Cheshire East Council that there will be a delay in the completion of Congleton Leisure Centre, due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

The council had expected to see the £10m project completed and delivered by December 2022. That has now been delayed, with additional costs of £1.6m, due to the overrun. 

One of the sub-contractors responsible for the two new swimming pools went into liquidation and this is chiefly responsible for the delay, but a new sub-contractor has been engaged to progress the completion of the pools. A quantity of asbestos was also uncovered and safely disposed of by specialist contractors. 

Councillor Mick Warren, chair of the council’s environment and communities committee, said: “While the delay in the contract represents a blow, I am pleased to see the whole scheme progressing well in other areas of the site and I am confident we will see the building reopened for members and visitors in 2023.

“This is a major refurbishment project and setbacks of this nature are not uncommon with construction projects of this scale. Nevertheless, it is disappointing that we are not able to see the centre reopened in time for Christmas.

“It is also disappointing to see inaccurate and mischievous public statements by individuals concerning the overrun on this project and associated additional costs, which are nowhere near the true figure. This is not helpful and it is factually incorrect.”

Chris Johnson, Managing Director of the principal project contractor Pulse Design and Build, said: “We share the council’s disappointment that unforeseeable circumstances have delayed the opening and progression of the Congleton Leisure Centre. 

“Looking forward, Pulse is working alongside Cheshire East Council to ensure the next stages of the development proceed smoothly. I hope that in spring 2023 local residents are provided with a welcoming, community-focused fitness facility to help support their wellbeing.”

Thomas Barton, chief executive of Everybody Health and Leisure, said: “The team at Everybody Health and Leisure stands ready and eager for practical completion of Congleton Leisure Centre.

“It is disappointing for the project to experience this setback, but we remain positive in the knowledge that this fantastic development will deliver health benefits to thousands of residents, assist in our commitment to support children in learning to swim and deliver career opportunities to local people.

“Our leisure centres across the borough will continue to welcome members and visitors from Congleton, while we ensure the refurbishment is delivered to a high standard.” 

The borough’s leisure trust, Everybody Health and Leisure, manages 16 leisure centres across Cheshire East. A refurbished Congleton Leisure Centre will see two new swimming pools, including a learner pool, a new gym, with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a thermal suite, café area and soft play area for the very young.  Details of all the council leisure centres can be found on the council’s website.