Wigan Council has invested £2.4 million in a project to transform a local sports centre.

The £2.9 million project will see the Howe Bridge Sports Centre transformed into a first class family facility with a new health and fitness suite, creation of a new lobby and café.

Wigan Council’ leisure partner WLCT is working in partnership with specialist development partner Alliance Leicester and international construction services company ISG construction to complete the project.

Managing Director of WLCT, Pete Burt, said he is extremely excited by the project and is delighted with the council’s investment.

“We’re extremely excited about what’s happening at Howe Bridge and really proud that we will be managing the new centre,” said Pete.

“This is all part of our ongoing commitment to Wigan Council to support investment into leisure facilities and use our industry expertise to deliver the activities and services that will make fitness fun and change the lives of local people.”

Cabinet member for resources at Wigan Council, Cllr Paul Kenny, added his delight at the project getting underway.

“I’m delighted to see the physical works starting on this project, which will bring new, improved leisure opportunities to people in Wigan Borough,” said Cllr Kenny.

“As part of the Deal we want to encourage people in our communities to get more active and the facilities that we are providing at Howe Bridge Sports Centre will enable residents to do just that.”

£500,000 of the funding will also come from the National Lottery’s Sport England Improvement Fund which will help the centre combine traditional sports facilities with high quality health and fitness services.

Business Development Manager for Alliance Leisure, James Foley, says the project is one which is close to his heart.

“The project will transform the site dramatically and it is a pleasure to be able to help make an impact at a local level in my hometown, returning to the facilities I myself learnt to swim in over 30 years ago,” said James.

"We are delighted to work in partnership with both the council and trust to bring to life this innovative Sport England-supported scheme.”