A brand new £7m leisure centre has officially opened in Urmston.
The centre, known as Move Urmston, features a 7m climbing wall, gym, two fitness studio spaces, a cycling studio, a 25m pool with adjustable depth, a five-court sports hall, two party rooms, a sensory room and brand new changing facilities.
The site, which first opened in March 2020 but was almost immediately forced to close again due to covid restrictions was officially opened by Trafford council leader Coun Andrew Western, Trafford Mayor Coun Laurence Walsh and executive member for leisure Coun Liz Patel.
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Coun Western said: “I was delighted to attend the formal opening and celebration of move Urmston alongside the Mayor, the executive member and other dignitaries. The move Urmston centre is a fantastic state-of-the-art development, which will be a huge benefit to generations of families in Trafford.
“Health and wellbeing is a priority for Trafford council and we are proud of our leisure facilities across the borough. Move Urmston is a fabulous centre, which we hope to use as a blueprint for other centres as we head into the future post covid.”
Mayor of Trafford, Coun Laurence Walsh, cut a ceremonial ribbon at the official opening.
Coun Walsh said: “It has been wonderful to celebrate the success of move
Urmston, it’s a wonderful hub of wellbeing, with facilities and activities for everyone, no matter who you are. I’m thrilled with the investment here and the difference it is already making to our community. So, if you haven’t done already, do come down and try it out.”
Coun Liz Patel, executive member for leisure and culture says: “Trafford Leisure’s Move brand will inspire our communities to move a little more each day. Move is inclusive and welcoming. I’m proud of the council’s further investment into a pool pod which has been installed, providing dignified, independent access to the pool.
“It is designed for any swimmer that finds using a pool ladder inappropriate and is already revolutionising the swimming experience for wheelchair customers and people with reduced mobility. Leisure and wellbeing is a right, and the council is committed to making it accessible for all in our community.”
Jo Cherrett, CEO, Trafford Leisure which manages the site on behalf of Trafford council said: “This launch day has been a long time coming, and although the pandemic meant move Urmston didn’t get the start we wanted, we felt it was important to celebrate its success, as it’s already proving to be a popular and valuable asset for the people of Trafford, now and for the future.
“Move Urmston provides our community with a welcoming, safe place; a space to be accepted and become the best version of themselves. The last few years have proved how important wellbeing is for our minds and bodies. The benefits of being active are huge, and a key commitment of this Council administration and Trafford Leisure is to improve our community’s wellbeing.
“A healthy lifestyle is the foundation to a happy life and this redevelopment, along with the expert support of the staff, will encourage our community to move more every day.”
Trafford council has recently announced large-scale plans for a multi-million-pound refurbishment of Altrincham, Sale and Stretford Leisure Centres.
The council said its investment in the leisure centres supports its strategy to support the health and wellbeing of residents through access to affordable, sustainable, accessible, exciting, modern leisure facilities.
The large-scale refurbishments will be carried out on a phased arrangement,
with Altrincham Leisure Centre earmarked as the first to be refurbished, followed by both Stretford and Sale.
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