WORK on a multi-million pound transformation of a sports centre has begun.

The first phase of the £2.9 million project will see a new health and fitness suite developed on the first floor, the creation of a new lobby and café plus new cladding put on the outside of Howe Bridge Sports Centre.

WLCT is working in partnership with specialist development partner Alliance Leisure and international construction services company ISG construction, to renovate the building on behalf of Wigan Council.

Wigan Council has invested £2.4 million in to the project while leisure partner WLCT secured £500,000 from the National Lottery’s Sport England Improvement Fund as added investment to the project.

Cllr Paul Kenny, cabinet member for resources at Wigan Council, said: “I’m delighted to see the physical works starting on this project, which will bring new, improved leisure opportunities to people in the borough.

“As part of the Deal we want to encourage people in our communities to get more active and the facilities that we are providing at Howe Bridge Sports Centre will enable residents to do just that.”

The new centre will combine traditional sports facilities with a high quality health and fitness suite and innovative leisure products including VerTGo Clip and Climb, Indoor Extreme Skate Park and adventure play facilities.

Pete Burt, managing director of WLCT, said: “We’re extremely excited about what’s happening at Howe Bridge and really proud that we will be managing the new centre.

“This is all part of our ongoing commitment to Wigan Council to support investment into leisure facilities and use our industry expertise to deliver the activities and services that will make fitness fun and change the lives of local people.”

Work on the scheme is due to be completed by November.