Completion of the new £10.8m Rochdale Leisure Centre has been marked with an official hand over ceremony.  

 Officials from Rochdale Borough Council and Link4Life officially took delivery of the new centre from contractor Willmott Dixon marking the end of an eighteen month building project that also sees the completion of a five year programme of investment in sport, leisure and arts facilities in the borough of over £34 million.

 "This is a fabulous 21st Century sports and leisure facility for the borough and yet another reason to be cheerful about Rochdale", said Leader of the Council, Councillor Colin Lambert.

 "There are many 'firsts' in Rochdale Leisure Centre that make this one of the best facilities in the North West," added Link4Life Managing Director, Craig McAteer.

"For many in the local community the opening of a public sports hall in Rochdale is a dream that goes back more than forty years and I'm immensely proud of what the Trust has been able to achieve in the five short years it has been in operation."

 The Rochdale centre will not only house the largest fitness facilities that the borough has to offer, but also have the biggest pool with eight lanes rather than the standard six in the main 25 metre pool and a large 17 metre second pool with a unique moveable floor that can alter the depth of the water to suit its use. A unique sauna and steam spa and extensive and modern changing facilities also feature in a centre that will see public opening extend by over 25 hours a week.

 Contractors Willmott Dixon have more than 25 years of experience in delivering leisure and culture facilities and in the last ten years have built over 100 swimming pools and 70 leisure facilities. Handing over the keys to the centre, Director of Operations, Simon Butcher said, "Willmott Dixon are extremely proud to be part of the next generation of leisure facilities here at Rochdale. The centre will clearly go on to successful serve the whole community for many decades to come."

 Taking a tour of the building, council Chief Executive, Jim Taylor was also enthusiastic about what he saw. "This is an exciting opportunity for the residents who are able to access these state of the art facilities. It's a wonderful achievement and congratulations to everybody who has managed to make this project a reality."