Beaming smiles as last steel goes in

KEY milestone...Jim McMahon and Anthony Dillon sign the final steel beam on the new sports centre.

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THE final steel beam has been put in place on Oldham’s £15 million sports centre.

A ceremonial event was held to mark the key construction milestone with representatives from Oldham Council and delivery partner Willmott Dixon.

Council Leader Jim McMahon and Willmott Dixon’s Northern managing director Anthony Dillon signed the last steel beam to be used in the building’s construction.

The Middleton Road centre, which is due to be finished by next winter, will be able to host regional and televised competitions.

Features include a 25-metre eight-lane swimming pool, sauna and steam room, eight-court sports hall, a fitness studio, a spinning studio, two exercise studios, four rink indoor bowls hall, a cafe and a 122 space car park.

The current sports centre, in Lord Street, will not close until the new facility is open.

Councillor McMahon said: “Reaching this milestone on one of Oldham’s largest construction projects is an integral moment to celebrate — and I’m proud to see it is already taking shape.

“Residents are beginning to see a number of ambitious developments under way around the town centre, plus economy boosting schemes like the Prince’s Gate development at Oldham Mumps being announced.

“This state-of-the-art, 21st century leisure facility is a vital part of the regeneration jigsaw and one of many for our residents and future generations to be excited and proud about.

“Willmott Dixon is a key employer in the borough and a well-respected construction firm who are making great strides with this project.”

Mr Dillon added: “I am delighted with the progress of the leisure facility and the steel frame is now complete. We have no issues with the facility being completed on time and we will work closely with Oldham Council to deliver a fantastic facility, maximising the use of local businesses in the project and supporting their Get Oldham Working initiative.”

Get Oldham Working aims to create 2,015 work-related opportunities by 2015.

Earlier this year, Willmott Dixon signed up to the Get Oldham Working Construction Charter — which seeks to link physical regeneration projects to employment and training opportunities for local residents and supply chain opportunities for local businesses.

Councillor McMahon said: “Developers and contractors who adopt the principles of the charter are undertaking a voluntary commitment to help us create work-related opportunities for the people of Oldham.”