A LEISURE centre in Urmston will be transformed after a £7million refurbishment is completed next year.

The Council has submitted a planning application for Urmston Leisure Centre in Bowfell Road, which would see the development of modern leisure, health and wellbeing facilities for the community.

The new leisure facilities will include a state-of-the-art, glass-fronted gym with a training area on the first floor and views across the front of the building.

Trafford Council has submitted plans to extend the leisure centre by building a fitness suite with up to 100 stations, new changing facilities, and new exercise studios.

The council has also proposed opening a new cafe with seating for over 100 people, which will be open throughout the day to members and the general public.

A glass façade with a clip climb wall on the inside and a children’s soft play area, as well as two new party rooms, will be available to hire for celebrating special occasions.

A 'wellbeing assessment suite' on the ground floor will also help members get the most from their fitness regimes by having their training customised to their needs.

Councillor Kevin Procter, executive member for communities and housing said: “As a Council we are committed to improving the leisure centre and creating opportunities for people to be active and stay healthy.

"We all know how important exercise is in preventing illness and improving wellbeing and happiness.”

In September 2017, the then Conservative-led authority approved a £6.45million budget to pay for the leisure centre’s overhaul.

In June 2018, members of Trafford Council’s executive board approved an additional £500,000 in funding, bringing the total cost to nearly £7million.

The reason for the increase was partly due to sub-contractors increasing their prices, with some items needing to be replaced rather than refurbished.

The upgrades at Urmston form a part of Trafford Council’s overarching plans for leisure improvements across the borough.

Designed by 5plus Architects, the plans for the centre are available online and on display at the leisure centre.

Anyone wishing to have a look at them and to give their views on the planning application can do so here.

The consultation will remain open until September 27. A planning decision is expected to be made in early November and, subject to approval, construction work on the leisure centre will start in January 2019 with completion by December 2019.

The Council reassured gym members that work will be planned in a way that will allow the facilities to remain available as much as possible throughout the refurbishment.