North Warwickshire Borough Council announces construction start date for the Borough’s new leisure centre
13 March 2026
North Warwickshire’s plans for a new leisure centre based in Atherstone have moved forward once again, with Speller Metcalfe appointed as the Principal Contractor for the scheme.
At the end of April, the Speller Metcalfe team will take possession of the existing leisure centre, Memorial Hall, and car park site to begin the first phase of works. This initial stage will include installing hoarding around the area and preparing the current leisure centre building for demolition.
The news of the appointment follows quickly on the submission of a planning application for the new facility at the end of February. The new centre represents a significant commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of residents across the Borough. Designed to meet the needs of all ages and abilities, the new facility will deliver a much-improved environment for fitness and community activity.
The redevelopment will include state of the art facilities, improved accessibility, and energy efficient design, ensuring the building is fit for the future and able to serve generations to come.
Facilities during closure
The start on site means that the Atherstone Leisure Complex and Memorial Hall will close at the end of the Easter school holidays on Sunday 12 April. The Council-owned car park at the site will also close and will remain unavailable throughout the construction period, which is expected to last around two years. For more information on where you can park in Atherstone please visit the Council’s website.
During the closure, customers will be able to access alternative leisure facilities at Polesworth Fitness Hub and Coleshill Leisure Centre. Evening and weekend classes at Memorial Hall will transfer to The Queen Elizabeth Academy ensuring continuity of classes. In addition, the Council will provide a dedicated bus service to swimming pools in neighbouring Boroughs, with full details of routes, timetables and destinations to be released in the coming weeks.
Staying up to date
This is an exciting and busy period for the project, and the Council recognises that residents may have questions about the changes ahead. Up-to-date information, including Frequently Asked Questions can be found both on the Council’s website and on the Heart of Our Community FAQs page.
“This is an exciting project for Atherstone and the wider community. We’re proud to be working with North Warwickshire Borough Council to deliver a modern leisure facility that will support health, wellbeing and community activity for years to come.”
Mark Hudgeon, Divisional Director at Speller Metcalfe
“This is an important milestone for the new Leisure Centre in North Warwickshire, and I’m excited to see this development progress. It’s fantastic to see the next phase about to start.”
Margaret Bell, Chair of the Community and Executive Board Councillor
“The Council is proud to be building a new centre in the Borough that will serve as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors. Designed to complement the historic heart of the town, the new centre will bring wide-ranging benefits to the local economy and the community, strengthening its role as a place where people can live well, stay active and come together.”
Councillor David Wright, Leader of the Council
Published:
Thursday, March 12, 2026
