Shovels at the ready as main construction begins on multi-million-pound move Partington
Shovels are in the ground at move Partington as the project enters its main construction phase, following the completion of demolition works at the site.
Building work is now focused on below-ground drainage and preparing the foundations for the new facility, which will become Trafford’s third move centre. The sports village project has secured £18.3 million in Levelling Up funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, alongside £2 million from Sport England.
Trafford Council, Trafford Leisure, local MP Andrew Western and project partners joined main contractor, Speller Metcalfe, on site for a ground breaking occasion to mark the special moment.
Staff and pupils from neighbouring Broadoak School also joined the gathering. The school will be one of many organisations to benefit from move Partington, which is being designed as a welcoming destination for the whole community, offering opportunities for families, residents, schools, community groups and local organisations to move more, feel better and live well.
A total of 12 students from Broadoak School enjoyed the ceremony before taking a tour of the site. Currently studying towards construction-related qualifications, the students gained an insight into the delivery of a major building project and the long-term impact move Partington will have for the wider community.
As Trafford’s third refurbished centre, move Partington will combine everything people have come to expect from move. Built around what local people said they wanted to see and experience, it will bring together swimming, fitness, group exercise, indoor sport, health, wellbeing and social spaces in one inspiring, welcoming and accessible destination.
Facilities will 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 welcoming café environment. More than a building, move Partington will act as a hub, connecting people with wider health, wellbeing and outdoor activity opportunities across Partington.
Sustainability is also at the heart of the development. Plans include air-source heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicle charging facilities, cycle parking and the creation of a green pathway to improve connection with outdoor activity and recreation across Partington.
Speller Metcalfe has pledged to involve local people throughout the construction programme, with initiatives centred on creating jobs and skills opportunities, supporting community engagement and helping to build a resilient local economy. Activity is already underway, including engagement with local schools and community groups, alongside updates shared with residents through local forums.
Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “We’re delighted to see work under way at this exciting development. move Partington will be a great place for local people to enjoy an active lifestyle, whatever their age, ability or starting point.“The refurbishment is part of a much wider programme of improvements that have seen move Urmston and move Altrincham open their doors. This work fits in with the Council’s priorities to offer sport for all, enable healthy and independent lives for our residents and to provide the best start in life for children and young people in the borough.”
Jo Cherrett, CEO of Trafford Leisure, said: “The local community in and around Partington are passionate about where they live and have an overwhelming desire to see their local area thrive. So today marks a significant milestone for Partington and for everyone who has helped shape the vision for move Partington.“This will be much more than a leisure centre. We want move Partington to be a place for everyone, whether you’re already active, taking your first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, supporting your family’s wellbeing or simply looking for a trusted place to connect with your community.“As a community-focused social enterprise, every visit will help us reinvest in local people, places and opportunities, creating positive impact across Trafford for years to come.”
Rob Lashford, regional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “We’ve made excellent progress on site over recent months and it’s fantastic to be marking the start of the next stage alongside our client Trafford Council, Trafford Leisure and key project partners.“move Partington will provide first-class facilities for the community, and we’re looking forward to bringing the vision for the project to life over the course of the build.”
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director, Partnerships and Place, Sport England, said: “Great facilities help people lead active, healthy lives. Our investment in move Partington will create a welcoming, inclusive facility that gives local people more opportunities to move, connect and thrive. We’re proud to support Trafford Council’s vision to transform opportunities for sport, physical activity and wellbeing in the area.”
