The state-of-the-art facility has been completed in Pontefract thanks to leading architecture studio GT3 Architects and national contractor Willmott Dixon.
Aspire@ThePark offers state-of-the-art sports facilities to five towns surrounding Wakefield city and rivals that of private leisure centres, bringing world-class facilities to the local community. As well as a new 100 station fitness suite and multi-use studio, the scheme also boasts a 10-lane 25m swimming pool, climbing zone, café, and full size 3G football pitch. The project was part funded by Sport England and had to meet detailed criteria around their SOPG aspirations.
The scheme was designed by GT3 Architects – following in-depth consultations with local sports clubs, residents, and community groups to ensure the building met the needs of the community – and constructed by Willmott Dixon for Wakefield Council.
Mark Gowdridge, Director at GT3 Architects, said: “This scheme presented a great opportunity to create a long-standing legacy for Wakefield, Pontefract, and the surrounding areas. From schematics to completion, we employed our Community+ service to ensure that the scheme broke the traditional mould for leisure centres and offered something different through design. The vision was to create a connection between the internal and external spaces from a wellbeing and sport activity perspective. These aims have been met and the project team have done an amazing job.”
