Leigh’s first new public sports centre and swimming pool for decades has received a glowing endorsement from Cabinet Minister and MP for Leigh Andy Burnham.

Leigh Indoor Sports Centre, part of the £83m Leigh Sports Village, will open its doors to the public on Wednesday 2nd January 2008. Andy Burnham MP joined partners from across the Leigh Sports Village team to enjoy a sneak preview tour of the stunning facility.

The sports centre is funded by Greenbank Partnership, Wigan Council and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. The £6.4m facility will be used by a host of sports clubs for a range of activities including aerobics, basketball, dance, swimming, karate, badminton and gymnastics.

Andy Burnham MP enthused:

“It’s only when you walk around the sports centre that you get a real feel for the quality and scale of this facility. I can remember seeing the plans for the layout of the centre but nothing beats actually seeing it with your own eyes. Here in Leigh we are witnessing a dream becoming reality. We now have a sports centre and pool that can attract regionally important sports events and galas. All the people of Leigh should be immensely proud of what has been achieved here; and it’s all for them.”

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Centre Manager Mike Woodruff said:

“It is thrilling to see all of our hard work coming to fruition. This really is a sports centre for the people and I would urge local residents to come along when we are open and have a look around to see what’s on offer. We are expecting to have the centre handed over to us very soon and we will then be busy getting things ready for the opening in the New Year.”

Leigh Indoor Sports Centre includes:

• Swimming pool – a 25m, six-lane pool suitable for regional galas with spectator seating for 190 people; 
• Sports hall – consisting of eight courts, can be used for badminton, basketball, netball and volleyball with seating for up to 280 people;
• Profiles Health and Fitness Suite – a 65 work station gym with weight resistance and cardiovascular equipment;
• Multi-purpose room – will provide a range of aerobic sessions and martial arts activities for up to 40 people;
• Aerobics suite – ideal for aerobic work-outs and suitable for all ages and abilities;

Changing room village – a series of individual changing areas complemented by six additional changing rooms.

To encourage residents to enjoy the benefits of this state of the art facility, a special introductory offer of just £60 for four months Profiles membership is available to those people who join before the end of December 2007. This entitles customers to a free induction, full use of the gym’s 65 work stations and free swimming.

For more information about Leigh Indoor Sports Centre, or the special introductory Profiles memberships scheme contact Kelly Partington on 01942 404857 or visit www.wlct.org/leighsportscentre.