People in one part of Merseyside can look forward to a “major investment”, according to Knowsley Council, after plans were announced to upgrade Halewood Leisure Centre.

The project is part of a wider £30m investment in the town, and is scheduled for completion during 2026. The local authority confirmed the works will involve internal and external improvements, and a major programme of decarbonisation which will help reduce long-term operating costs and make the centre more energy efficient.

The council said initial work has already started which includes the installation of new all-weather pitches, covered spectator facilities, LED floodlighting to reduce light overspill and new acoustic fencing.

The local authority believes the space will benefit players of all ages hopes the improvements will enable Volair’s resident club Halewood Apollo FC to progress through the football pyramid. Plans have also been submitted for increased car parking spaces, extended space for outdoor sporting activities and general landscaping and biodiversity improvements.

In 2023, Knowsley Council secured £15.3m of government funding (now Local Regeneration Fund) and an additional £2.5m from the City Region Sustainable Travel Settlement to invest in Halewood. In addition, the council has secured around £13m in Section 106 contributions from developers delivering the East of Halewood housing development.

The council said this investment is already being ploughed into improved services and facilities in Halewood, meaning that more than £30m will be invested in the town in the coming years. Cllr Tony Brennan, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “This is fantastic news for all Halewood residents and customers of Volair Halewood.

“Delivering improvements to leisure facilities is a key element of our Halewood investment masterplan. There will be tangible improvements that customers of the centre will benefit from visibly but also important significant ‘unseen’ work that will provide long-term benefits.

“As we carry out the upgrade and refurbishment there will inevitably be some periods of disruption to users. I would ask everyone to bear with us during these works as I’m sure people will be delighted with the end result!”

These sentiments were shared by Cllr Shelley Powell, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, who added: “I’m sure Volair members and the wider Halewood community will be excited by these investment plans.

“Not only will this investment deliver significant improvements to indoor and outdoor facilities, it will make Halewood Leisure Centre far more eco-friendly, helping us to achieve our net zero 2040 target.”

Proposals are subject to approval from the council’s planning committee.