Approval for North Bridge Leisure Centre

Our plans for North Bridge Leisure Centre in Halifax, for Calderdale Council, have secured approval.

We have taken a previously consented scheme and developed new proposals that maintain the design quality and leisure offer while bringing the project within budget. Working closely with cost consultant MAC and the Council, we adapted, simplified, and tested new proposals for the centre until we reached the optimum design concept, which was then submitted as a non-material amendment application. Key amendments included removing some amenities – reducing the floorplate – minimising the height of the building, relocating the entrance, and rationalising the building’s materiality.

The final design accommodates a six-lane swimming pool with spectator seating, a learner pool with a viewing and seating area, a refurbished eight-court sports hall, a 120-station fitness suite, two multi-functional studios, a dedicated cycling studio, a children’s soft play and adventure area, a tag game arena, and a café and community area. A wet changing village and a Changing Places facility for disabled people and separate dry change facilities for sports hall and gym use will also be provided.

Inspired by the local vernacular of sandstone and the need to rationalize and reduce the number of materials within the facades from the previous scheme, we’ve developed a new palette of materials. Buff brick, bronze, and metal panelised systems will sit sympathetically with the surrounding context and reflect the site’s former industrial use. These materials have also been selected based on their durability, helping minimise future maintenance costs.

Associate Director Ben Robinson has said of the project:

“We’re proud to have supported the Council to refine the proposals and bring the new leisure centre within budget without forfeiting on design quality. The proposals will provide both value for money and a high-quality facility for the benefit of the local community. It will also create a striking new architectural landmark within Halifax.”

Calderdale Council was awarded £12.2 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support the development of the new centre.

This is our first project with Calderdale Council but, having secured a place on the Council’s Professional Consultancy Services Framework in late 2023, we hope to grow our work in the Borough over the next four years.