Middleton Leisure Centre nets Olympic legacy cash

Planned improvements at Middleton Leisure Centre have today received a boost worth more than £140,000.

The centre is one of 350 local community sports groups/facilities which are celebrating today after being offered a total of £17.4 million in Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund.

The money will go to an £883,000 scheme to improve Middleton Leisure Centre.

The scheme includes the development of changing facilities, an adult social care area, improved heating system, car park and the demolition of the swimming pool, which was closed in September due to council cutbacks. The Sport England cash will provide new entrance facilities and equipment.

Last month councillors approved the financing of the scheme, which will partly come from money given to the council by developers as part of planning conditions.

The facilities will be closed for up to five months while the work is carried out.