Newton-Le-Willows Health & Fitness

The former Selwyn Jones Leisure Centre underwent a £4.2 million transformation thanks to investment from St Helens Council, and was delivered by Alliance Leisure under the UK Leisure Framework with Createability appointed by Alliance as principle contractor.

The scheme transformed the centre in to a modern, dynamic sports facility, overhauling the whole interior of the sports centre, with the creation of an adventure play area with three party rooms, and a split-level fitness suite. The existing fitness suite has been converted into a multi-functional exercise studio. An Immersive group cycling studio has also been created giving the centre two dedicated studio spaces. A coffee shop and café have been included and all other remaining areas of the building have been renovated too.

To improve accessibility to the pool and fitness suite for people with a disability, Sport England provided a £335,000 grant. This funded the reconfiguration of the outdated male, female and group changing rooms into a family-friendly ‘Village Change’ and the redecoration of the pool balcony. The outdoor pitch changing rooms have also benefited from a refurbishment.

To modernise the centre and keep abreast of current trends, the existing fitness suite was converted into a multi-functional exercise studio, where the council’s chosen fitness equipment supplier, Precor, have installed a 14-metre Queenax Bridge. The functional training rig enables the centre to run split classes and circuit sessions, incorporating three Assault AirRunners and two Assault AirBike Elites.

The glass-enclosed reception desk has also been remodelled to provide a low-level, welcoming space that caters for all and the interior design, incorporating light, bright, modern colour schemes transform the centre from its old 1980’s look and feel.

To ensure the infrastructure supports the new development, the entire plant, heating and ventilation systems have been replaced. The £750,000 project will improve efficiencies, generating a more positive carbon footprint and ensuring that the centre remains fully functional and fit for purpose with a renewed life-cycle.

The project was completed in five phases to minimise closure of existing facilities:

Phase 1, New Gym – Complete August 2019

Phase 1A, Soft Play & Café – Complete October 2019

Phase 1B, Main Reception, Dry Changing & Party Rooms – Complete October 2019

Phase 2, Multipurpose Studio & Wet Change – Complete August 2020

Phase 3, M&E and additional works – Complete August 2020

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The old centre was tired and of its day. The Council took the brave decision in 2019, in what was a challenging financial climate, to invest in the site to the tune of £4 million. The impact of this investment has far exceeded our expectations and more importantly those of the communities which we serve. Working with the Alliance team we have repurposed space and broadened the appeal of the activities the building is able to accommodate. Their advice has been sound and if anything their forecasts for usage have been conservative. Within six months the site is hitting its three year targets.

Dave Boocock

Service Manager, St Helens Council

The centre has been providing a vital service to the community for a number of years but is no longer able to satisfy the growing diversity of needs. Working with St Helens Council and our appointed team, we will transform Selwyn Jones Sports Centre into a dynamic, modern activity centre. The new offer will provide a wide range of sport and leisure opportunities for all segments of the community to enjoy, reinvigorating the centre and encouraging a more active community. We will also create new revenue generating opportunities to sustain the future of the centre.

James Foley

Commercial Director, Alliance Leisure