Speller Metcalfe has started main construction work on Move Partington, a new sports and leisure village being developed for Trafford Council with £18.3m in Levelling Up funding and a further £2m from Sport England.
The project will replace the former Partington Leisure Centre with a modern facility designed to expand access to sport, fitness and health services in the Greater Manchester town. Demolition of the existing leisure centre has been completed, allowing the contractor to move into the main construction phase, beginning with below-ground drainage and preparation of the foundations.
Move Partington will become the third Move-branded leisure centre in Trafford, adding to the council’s investment in community sports provision. The planned facilities include a modernised swimming pool, a four-court sports hall, a 40-station gym, group exercise studios, a health and wellbeing space, consultation rooms and a café.
The mix of facilities is intended to accommodate a broad range of activities, from swimming and indoor sports to individual fitness programmes and group exercise. The inclusion of health and wellbeing facilities will also provide space for consultation and support services alongside the centre’s recreational offer.
Sustainability has been incorporated into the design, with air-source heat pumps and solar panels planned to help reduce the building’s energy requirements and reliance on conventional energy sources. Electric vehicle charging points and cycle parking are also included, while a new green pathway will improve connections with outdoor recreation and activity across Partington.
Speller Metcalfe has committed to involving local residents and organisations throughout the construction programme, with an emphasis on employment, skills development and community engagement. Early activity has included engagement with local schools and community groups, alongside updates for residents through local forums.
The contractor has also provided opportunities for young people to learn more about construction. As part of the project’s launch activities, 12 pupils from Broadoak School who are studying construction-related qualifications were invited to tour the site, giving them an opportunity to see the development process at first hand.
The project is expected to be completed in 2028. Once operational, Move Partington will provide new leisure facilities for the local community while forming part of Trafford Council’s wider investment in health, wellbeing and accessible sports provision.
