This state-of-the-art £8 million leisure facility opened to the public on 28 September 2015 and is located on Byron Street.
The new facilities include:
- Six-lane 25-metre swimming pool with spectator seating
- 80-station fitness gym
- Two exercise/dance studios
- New 60-space car park
- New separate learner pool
As part of the Olympic Facilities Legacy Fund the new centre was awarded a grant of £134,000 from Sport England to support the pool’s installation and ensure the legacy of London 2012 lives on.
The new pool is the same design as one of the Olympic training pools.
The Byron Street-based centre, funded by Oldham Council, will be run by Oldham Community Leisure.
Jim McMahon (Oldham Council Leader) took part in an exclusive tour of the centre, alongside Stuart Lockwood (OCL Chief Executive), Anthony Dillon (Willmott Dixon’s Northern Managing Director) and other representatives.
Councillor McMahon said: “After years of planning and hard work the opening of one of the borough’s new Olympic legacy centres is here. It is a modern, stunning and state-of-the-art centre for the residents of Royton, Shaw and Crompton to enjoy.
“This whole development has been very much a local and joint-working effort with several Oldham businesses and organisations grafting hard to get the job done on time in a professional manner.
“I’d like to thank all involved for their commitment which will bring in local employment, fun and health benefits to the area.
“We’re on an incredible journey for the borough with several regeneration projects well underway and nearing completion – including our new Oldham Sports Centre. This is one of the many projects that I hope residents will be proud of and embraces.
Mr Lockwood said: “The new Royton Leisure Centre will become a central hub for adults and children of all ages and abilities, providing a better and more tailored offering than ever before.
“Our team, in partnership with Oldham Council have worked extremely hard over the last few years to bring this project to life, and it’s very rewarding to see the facility complete.
“Our members have already expressed their excitement to try the new facilities and activities. We hope new members will be enticed by this new and improved offer.”
Mr Dillon said: “I am delighted to see the opening of such a fantastic community facility which has been built with so much local labour.
"Credit must go to the whole team at the council, supply chain, suppliers, consultants and our construction team for delivering this both on time and budget.”
Charles Johnston, Property Director at Sport England, said: “The pool at Royton Leisure Centre will ensure that the legacy of London 2012 continues to thrive in Oldham. Legacy pools have the potential to benefit thousands of people and I am really pleased that the local community in Royton and surrounding areas will be able to benefit from this innovative scheme.”