Leisure

North City Leisure Centre                                                         next leisure project >

Leisure Sector Case Study: North City Family and Fitness Centre, Harpurhey Client: Manchester City Special Projects Cost: £4m “The user and participation numbers far exceeded expectations and has not faded off since.” Keith Howells, Manchester Leisure

Objectives To regenerate Harpurhey by providing a leisure centre with community uses on a car park area adjacent to Asda. To replace the ageing pool and provide a 25 metre pool, floating floor, fitness suite, dance studio and Surestart crèche. Our View We were keen to create a strong identity for the building to highlight its presence and act as a counterweight to the surrounding brick retail development. We suggested a ‘blue box’ for the pool element and softer, lower level brick zones for the crèche and family training areas. The scheme is simply organised around a central street with clear views into the building and good access. The Surestart crèche is located on the ground floor with access to a garden area, while the fitness facilities are situated on the first floor with substantial glazing, allowing good views in and out of the building. The Results The scheme is a great success both in terms of user numbers and as a symbol of regeneration in Harpurhey. The feedback from Manchester Leisure is excellent. 'Membership is increasing dramatically, we had based our business plan on the old centre and with this building, far more people seem to have been attracted into swimming and fitness.’ Keith Howells, Manchester Leisure.

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