Altrincham's economy has received a boost from the opening of move Altrincham, Trafford Leisure’s new £20 million wellbeing centre, which has brought 48 new jobs to the area.
The freshly recruited Trafford Leisure team, which includes leisure attendants and lifeguards, health and fitness instructors, and receptionists, therapists and managers for The Cove Spa team, are in all post after undergoing training ready for move Altrincham’s opening last month.
Gymnastic coaches and swimming teachers, an exercise referral specialist, duty managers and senior leisure attendants are also among the new hires, most of whom live locally.
While many employees are very experienced, Trafford Leisure has paid for Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) training and qualifications for new lifeguards. Duty managers have been upskilled with pool plant training from the Institute of Swimming and Health and Safety and first aid training from Right Directions and Trafford Leisure’s own in-house training team.
Alongside already qualified swimming teachers, Trafford Leisure has welcomed several newcomers to the profession, who completed 50 hours of poolside volunteering before undertaking Institute of Swimming Level One Assistant Swimming Teacher training, funded by Trafford Leisure, with a guaranteed job upon completion.
The new recruits are now progressing to take their Level Two Swim England Swimming Teacher qualification. Trafford Leisure has another 11 people volunteering at swimming lessons, with the ambition to complete the swimming teacher training for its Learn to Swim programme – one of the largest in the country.
The move Altrincham team, which has a mix of full and part-time roles filled by people of all ages and backgrounds, has seen six colleagues from other Trafford leisure centres taking up management roles.
A total of 23 former Altrincham Leisure Centre staff returned from redeployment at other centres during the impressive transformation. Other former Altrincham Leisure Centre staff members, who aren’t returning to move Altrincham, have now settled into new roles at other Trafford Leisure locations, and in many cases have been promoted.
Emma Lowe, a new receptionist at The Cove Spa, said:
“It's truly amazing to work in such an incredible place. The facilities are stunning, and there's a real sense of luxury in every detail, especially in the heat treatment rooms. It's a fantastic opportunity to be part of something special.”
Charmaine Jones, Fitness and Wellness Instructor who works in the move Altrincham gym, added:
“I can't believe how lucky I am to work in this amazing space. The state-of-the-art equipment is just incredible – definitely the best I've ever seen. It's inspiring to be part of such a cutting-edge environment.”
move Altrincham’s new General Manager, Craig Lomas, said:
“I’m incredibly proud to welcome these talented new team members into such an inspiring building. Their skills and qualities will help us enhance wellness, fitness and leisure services for the people of Altrincham and Trafford. It's an exciting time for us all!”
move Altrincham two pools, both equipped with accessible pool pods. There is a combined lobby area with pool viewing and café, a wet village changing area and an inclusive Changing Places toilet for people with profound disabilities – a first for the town centre. The centre also boasts a brand-new wellbeing spa facility, The Cove.
Additionally, there is a wellness assessment room, an enlarged fitness suite, two flexible studio spaces, an indoor cycle studio, a four-court sports hall and a gymnastics hub, as well as changing areas, staff rooms and offices.
Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with Trafford Leisure to bring new jobs and career opportunities to Altrincham, tying in with our Council priority to foster a thriving economy. By training and upskilling new recruits we are equipping them for long and successful careers in sport and leisure and beyond.”
Jo Cherrett, CEO of Trafford Leisure, a community interest company wholly owned by Trafford Council, which manages leisure in Trafford on behalf of the Council, said:
“We are committed to contributing to Trafford’s economic and social wellbeing and we do this by encouraging our community to move more every day.
“Working for us is more than just a job, we offer meaningful job satisfaction and the chance to be part of a team, with excellent benefits. Trafford Leisure is a Real Living Wage employer, which applies to all our people, regardless of age, role, years of service or the number of hours they work. It’s been fantastic to see them all settling into their roles at their new home, and welcoming our customers back.”