Trafford Council has given the green light to a £47m development plan which will see the construction of two new leisure centres and the possible replacement of two further, existing sites.

The investment will see new leisure centres being built in Altrincham and Stretford and either the redevelopment or replacement of the George H Carnall Leisure Centre in Urmston and Sale Leisure Centre.

It is part of the council's borough-wide Leisure Centre Investment Strategy which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of residents by increasing levels of physical activity.

The leisure centre in Stretford, part of the Civic Quarter Masterplan, will include a 25m pool and 18m leisure pool, a 160 station fitness suite and a nine court sports hall including an indoor cricket practice area. The siting of the centre will depend on the results of the Civic Quarter Masterplan consultation. It is expected to open in 2021.

The proposals for Altrincham’s £22m centre include a 25m pool and 25m leisure pool with a moveable floor, a 100-station fitness suite, a six-court sports hall and squash courts. The existing swimming pool will be kept open during the works which are expected to take around 18 months. The centre is expected to open in 2022 on the site of the existing centre.

Consultations with both communities will take place as part of the planning application for the two new centres which will be operated, like the current ones, by Trafford Leisure.

The Executive also approved feasibility studies to be undertaken before plans to improve Sale`s Broad Road Leisure Centre. As the building is approaching the end of its original design life, consideration is now being given to put a business case for the option of a new build at the same location.

Also at the meeting, the interim plans for George Carnall Leisure Centre were agreed. The Centre will remain fully operational at least until the construction work and handover is completed at Urmston Leisure Centre – a separate project which is expected to complete by early 2020.

"As a Council we are committed to creating opportunities for people to be active and stay healthy," said councillor Kevin Procter, executive member for communities and housing.

"We all know how important exercise is in preventing illness and improving wellbeing and happiness.

“This has a direct impact in reducing the growing burden on the health and social care system. These new centres will be life-changing for many people.”