Nelson leisure centre set for Town Deal-funded upgrade

Part of the Nelson Town Deal money plus other funds will be used to improve the town’s Wavelengths hub.

But one leading councillor is worried about potential negative reactions from nearby towns and wants other options explored.

Pendle Council’s executive backed proposals for a ground-floor extension and work to changing rooms, water and beach features, a smart gaming wall and extra car parking.

The council had recently reviewed its three leisure centres at Nelson, Colne and Barnoldswick.

Cllr Asjad Mahmood, Independent borough leader, said: “In the Nelson Town Deal and match-funding activity, rising costs and other factors have been issues.

“But these improvements will be affordable and deliverable, and will increase visitor numbers. It will also bring extra people to Nelson. It will be cost-neutral.”

But Lib-Dem Cllr David Whipp, deputy council leader, said “I’m not going to second [support] this. I want to look at this differently.

“This council is being told by officers and consultants, and the Conservatives, we cannot afford to keep the leisure centres we have.

“But circumstances have fundamentally changed, with a new government and new MPs. We should go back to government ministers and ask if the rules can be adjusted for this Town Deal scheme.

“The Lib-Dems group thinks investment ought to be used to make the Wavelengths centre more financially sustainable, such as with energy improvements and savings.”

He questioned, after past reports on Nelson’s Inside Spa and Colne’s Urban Altitude high ropes centre, whether Wavelengths would make money.

Cllr Whipp added: “I also think it’s wrong to make a decision now when we will be looking at the leisure centre review in September.”

He added: “Finally, every week there seems to be a new story about cycle track work at Marsden Park, a play area or Pendle Rise shopping centre being acquired.

"The reaction to that is quite hostile. I know it was a Conservative government which provided the first Nelson Town Deal funding and now there’s another £20m for an extended town deal [the Long Term Plan for Towns]. But people outside local government do not distinguish between where the money comes from.

“If Pendle Council is seen as investing in Wavelengths prior to decisions on other leisure centres, with questions about costs and budget strains in future effecting every resident, then that could cost us in terms of social cohesion.”

But Cllr Mahmood said: “Pendle has had millions of pounds invested in the two big towns. We are seeing the results in Colne with The Muni, Hippodrome, Little Theatre and Colne Market Hall.

"There is also potential for housing and apartments. We’ve got to look at the bigger picture. To some extent, money is being fairly distributed.

“The Nelson Town Deal has March 2026 deadlines. It’s strict. The Town Deal Board has been on our case. It’s very important that we give the board clear direction.”

Tory Cllr Martyn Stone, not an executive member but at the meeting, said: “From the Conservative group’s perspective, ideally we’d like to keep all three leisure centres open.

"But it was the current administration which decided it wanted to do so. All we have asked is how is that affordable? We are still waiting for an answer.”

In a vote, executive councillors backed officer recommendations for Wavelengths improvements using Town Deal funds.