Altrincham’s £20m transformed leisure centre is attracting users of all ages and abilities since throwing open its doors at the end of August.
move Altrincham is owned by Trafford Council, operated by Trafford Leisure and supported by Sport England. It includes two pools, a large fitness suite, two large studio spaces, immersive indoor cycling, four-court sports hall and gymnastics hub housed in an impressive, low-carbon building.
It has a café run by local company MOST Bakery and a serene new Cove Spa retreat featuring vitality pool, sensory showers, saunas, and a steam room, a sanctuary designed for relaxation, pampering and escape.
The opening process involved onboarding and training 78 staff members, some who had previously worked for Trafford Leisure at other sites – and welcoming hundreds of fitness, spa and gymnastics members who signed up in anticipation of the grand opening.
Numbers of new gym members surpassed expectations by 30%, the centre has over 2000 children on the Learn to Swim programme, with over 400 joining since the doors reopened. Under 18s with special educational needs and disabilities were among those joining for swimming and gymnastics.
Cove Spa had over 400 members within the first month and 88 residents were referred for physical activity programmes by their GP to help manage health conditions and improve wellbeing.
They included architect Michael Cummings, 87, who joined move Altrincham under a Falls Prevention Programme after two partial hip replacements. He says:
"After I had two operations I was increasingly cautious when walking and worried about slipping again.
"Though Postural Stability classes I learned new techniques to build my confidence and strengthen my lower body. Following an eight-week programme I continue to come here every week for Maintenance Class where I do more challenging exercises. The sessions have such a friendly, supportive atmosphere - they have really helped me to stay mobile."
Fellow members are equally pleased with the facility. Retired professional boxer Lee Duncan, 37, visits the gym and Cove sauna at move Altrincham almost every day. Lee published his first book, Free From Fear: How to Break Free From Your Deepest Fear - a self-help guide calling upon techniques used by athletes - last month.
Lee was attracted by the bespoke, exclusive feel of the facility which he feels has options to socialise and be part of a community - but also the opportunity to focus on training without distractions.
He said:
"As a retired athlete, I've always trained and coming here keeps me ticking over. You can have a coffee and a chat but also get your head down and just train. The centre is run by a bunch of nice people who are there to help and it's really great value for money."
Meanwhile, well-known musician and businessman Recardo Patrick – whose many claims to fame include 70s chart success with soul stars Sweet Sensation and owning bars and restaurants including Riva at Hale – works out in the gym at move Altrincham most mornings.
Recardo said:
“What I love most about move Altrincham is the cleanliness and lighting, and the quality of the fitness equipment. The staff are really helpful – they treat everyone with respect. It’s a very well-run environment with a great community spirit about it.”
Retired secondary school worker Debbie Sinnott, 65, echoed the thoughts of Lee and Recardo, crediting move Altrincham with helping her to maximise her wellbeing. She said:
"I love the new centre. The staff are really lovely and encouraging and it's a whole community!
Debbie explains:
"I go most days and I feel fitter than ever! At my old gym I was never confident enough to book classes but here I do pPilates, strength training, legs, bums and tums and now I'm trying yoga!
"There is truly something for everyone, from the kids getting stuck into their swimming sessions to the older folk doing their balance classes. It's fantastic!"
The success of move Altrincham ties in with Trafford Council’s priority for ensuring healthy and independent lives for all, as well as access to high-quality sport and leisure provision.
Cllr Eve Parker, the Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said:
“These ringing endorsements for move Altrincham really speak for themselves. The first four months of this fantastic facility show how much it is loved by the people who use it.
“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t paid move Altrincham a visit to come on down and see what all the fuss is about. I can’t wait to see how it continues to serve our residents in the months and years ahead.”
Jo Cherrett, Chief Executive Officer of Trafford Leisure, said:
“We have a great team here who want to support everyone to feel comfortable and confident to exercise. The centre is accessible to everyone and is packed with great facilities and equipment.
“We celebrate the positive difference move Altrincham is already making in our community, delivering health and happiness by successfully helping people to move more.”