New Heywood leisure facility named

Heywood’s new sports, leisure and cultural facilities currently under construction on West Starkey Street are set to open later this year. The £10.4 million complex which replaces the old Gaskell Pool and Jack Talbot Sports Hall will be called Heywood Sports Village.

Billed as having ‘something for everyone’ the new flagship centre is due to open its doors in September. Heywood Sports Village will include a unique mix of modern facilities including swimming pools, sports hall and fitness centre with outdoor grass and synthetic pitches and an exciting mix of community spaces for arts and cultural activities. Art exhibitions and a range of leisure and learning sessions are being lined up to compliment the sporting activities available, providing residents with a full programme of leisure and cultural attractions all year round.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Chairman of Heywood Township said local people deserve the new sports village which will benefit the whole borough: “As well as providing this superb facility, we are supporting the local economy and this is another milestone in the regeneration of Heywood. There really will be something for everyone and it is of such significance that we believe it deserves to carry the name of the town in its name. Heywood Township welcomes the marvellous facilities being offered by and looks forward to its opening for the benefit of Heywood residents'.

“From the beginning the project was modelled on the Sport England principle of a sports village, so retaining this name also gives Heywood the national recognition it deserves for what will be some of the best facilities in the region.”

A lasting legacy to Christine Gaskell and Jack Talbot, whose names are linked to the existing facilities, will also live on, added Councillor McCarthy: “The existing pool and sports hall will be demolished as part of the construction process, however, the memory of Christine Gaskell and Jack Talbot will be immortalised in a special Hall of Fame alongside other famous Heywood names.”