The UK government’s Levelling Up Fund, designed to tackle regional inequalities and stimulate economic development, has emerged as a source of optimism for numerous communities. Leek, a town set to benefit from this initiative, is witnessing the emergence of a £17 million wellness and health facility that promises to revolutionise the local healthcare landscape. This bold venture, partially funded by the Levelling Up Fund, exemplifies the potential of well-planned investments in public health infrastructure to bring about meaningful change.
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Central to this initiative is the transformation of the Brough Park Leisure Centre into MyActive Leek, a state-of-the-art health and wellness hub. This ambitious project is a collaborative endeavour involving several key stakeholders, including the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund, the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, Sport England, and the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. The partnership highlights the significance of resource-sharing to achieve common objectives, particularly in the realm of public health and community wellbeing.
A standout feature of MyActive Leek is the Community Wellness Suite, which is specifically designed to improve health outcomes for individuals dealing with medical conditions. This facility will offer services based on medical referrals, access to specialist equipment, and instruction from trained professionals, making it an invaluable resource for those requiring specialised health interventions. By focusing on particular medical needs, this suite aims to deliver personalised care, thereby substantially enhancing the quality of life for its users.
The redevelopment of the leisure centre is part and parcel of a broader regeneration strategy for Leek. Managed by Alliance Leisure, with marketing support from TA6, the scheme is implemented under the UK Leisure Framework, with oversight by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. This framework ensures that the project meets high standards of quality and efficiency, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the initiative. The new facility will boast an expanded gym, increasing from 35 to 60 stations, alongside additional group exercise and cycling studios. These enhancements are designed to cater to a broader range of fitness enthusiasts, fostering greater community engagement.
Swimming facilities are also receiving significant upgrades. The existing four-lane pool will be replaced by a new 25-metre, six-lane pool, accompanied by a larger swim teaching pool. These improvements are anticipated to draw more visitors and encourage increased participation in aquatic activities, enhancing the town’s recreational offerings.
Inclusivity is a central focus of the MyActive Leek project. The centre will feature a new indoor adventure soft play area with dedicated party space and group, family, and accessible changing facilities. These amenities ensure that the centre is welcoming and accommodating to all visitors, including those with disabilities and additional needs. Furthermore, environmental sustainability is a crucial aspect of the project. The centre will transition to an all-electric facility, replacing traditional gas boilers with air source heat pumps. Solar panels will be installed to generate 42 kW of green energy, complemented by LED lighting to reduce energy consumption. These measures align with the broader objectives of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for the community.
The new reception area is designed as a central hub for the leisure centre, overlooking both swimming pools and featuring a café with seating for 60. This space is intended to cultivate a sense of community, providing a welcoming environment for users of the leisure centre and the adjacent park. Rob Wilks, head of leisure and environmental services at the council, has emphasised the project’s significance in regenerating the town and delivering health, wellbeing, retail, and cultural opportunities for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Julia Goddard, regional director at Alliance Leisure, notes the alignment of the new centre with the council’s Move More strategy, which aims to provide accessible, high-quality facilities and environments for all residents, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.
As the Levelling Up Fund continues to drive forward transformative projects across the UK, the development of MyActive Leek stands out as a powerful example of public and private stakeholders coming together to foster community health and wellbeing. This facility is set to become a cornerstone of the community, offering diverse services and nurturing a culture of wellness for all. The integration of modern amenities, a focus on inclusivity, and a commitment to sustainability exemplify a forward-thinking approach that promises to reshape the way communities engage with health and wellbeing resources.
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