Bradford Council is being asked to approve moving forward with the construction of a new leisure centre in Girlington, despite an increase of £5 million in the projected cost of the scheme.
What has changed
The estimated overall cost has risen from £27.9m to £32.9m. The leisure centre, long discussed by council officers and councillors, was first proposed more than a decade ago and has been delayed at several stages, including when the NHS withdrew from a wider combined health and leisure proposal in 2022.
The council report presented to the executive attributes the rise to continuing pressures in the construction market. As the document states:
"ongoing construction cost inflation driven by global market conditions"
What the centre will include
The planned facility on Squire Lane would provide a traditional leisure offer aimed at local families and patients at nearby Bradford Royal Infirmary, including:
- a 25m six‑lane pool
- a learner pool
- a fitness gym and studio spaces
- a 120‑space car park
If the executive signs off the project at its forthcoming meeting, contractors would aim to open the centre by September 2028.
Funding and timetable pressures
The original concept had been for a combined leisure and medical complex valued at approximately £48.8m to be delivered in partnership with the NHS. That partnership dissolved in 2022, leaving the council to pursue a scaled‑back leisure facility.
The report draws attention to a significant external funding piece: a £20m Levelling Up grant awarded by government. That grant must be spent by March 2028, creating a narrow window to commence and complete works in line with the funding conditions. The council warns that delay could push up costs further and jeopardise the grant.
"Overall, there is a limited window to proceed. Any delay could increase financial risk and may jeopardise the ability to deliver the scheme within the available funding period."
About £600,000 of the extra funding required might be sourced from Clean Air Zone receipts. The council says these funds would be put towards low‑carbon heating systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure for the site.
Numbers at a glance
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Previous estimated cost | £27.9m |
| Revised estimated cost | £32.9m |
| Original combined scheme estimate (with NHS) | £48.8m |
| Levelling Up grant | £20m |
| Potential CAZ contribution | £600,000 |
Local impact and next steps
For local residents the project promises new swimming and fitness provision closer to the city centre and near Bradford Royal Infirmary. The facility could also support community health initiatives and provide additional parking in the area. However, rising costs and a tight timetable mean councillors will need to weigh the benefits of proceeding now against the risks of potential further inflation.
The executive will consider the recommendation at its meeting on Tuesday. Should members approve, the council will be committed to finding the additional resources and beginning work within the window needed to protect the Levelling Up funding.
Further details, including procurement arrangements and an updated delivery timetable, are expected to be published following the executive decision.
