Network Space - Tameside Wellness Centre The North West 2020 Annual Survey
Transforming a derelict battery manufacturing plant into a flagship health and well-being centre has been a journey spanning nearly two decades for St Helens-based commercial developer Network Space.
March 2, 2020 will mark a key milestone in the development of this 12-acre strategic mixed-use leisure and residential scheme as the Tameside Wellness Centre, Denton, opens its doors to the public
– ahead of schedule. The centre is a testament to a community regeneration scheme that transformed a derelict brownfield site that struggled for years to find a new identity and purpose.
Joe Burnett, Network Space Development Director, explained: “Network Space originally bought the 12-acre site in 2001, the tenant moved on and we cleared the old battery factory two years later. It remained dormant for some years as a series of retail led mixed-use schemes were explored and we attempted to acquire third party land interests necessary to deliver the scheme.
“An increase in online focused retail consumer habits and a challenging economic climate called for a rethink in strategy. Working in partnership with Tameside MBC, we conceived a plan to deliver a mixture of housing, essential infrastructure alongside a state-of-the- art Wellness Centre at the head of the site providing much needed leisure offer for the local community. We still had a few hurdles to overcome such as completing a CPO procedure to assemble the land required but geographically this was the ideal location for the local community. The essential infrastructure was delivered first prior to the sale of the residential land to Wainhomes.
Work started on the Wellness Centre in November 2018 and was completed ahead of schedule in 14 months in February 2020.
The 45,000 sq foot centre combines leisure and wellness facilities providing a holistic approach to community needs. It includes an eight-lane, 25m competition swimming pool with space for 150 spectators and a learner pool; a spa area including sauna, steam and relaxation facilities; a fitness suite and a ten-pin bowling alley.
As well as the sporting and leisure offer, it also boasts a host of other wellness features including flexible meeting rooms, a children’s soft play area, multi-use studio spaces and a social interaction zone. The 12,000 sq ft roof terrace is capable of being transformed into a sensory garden and could also be used for a pop-up cinema, small theatre shows and as an open-air exercise space.
“The brief from Tameside MBC was clear, they wanted a facility for the whole community and to maximise the building’s accessibility. We paid special attention to inclusion.” added Joe. “Even normal disability access such as ramps were frowned upon; the ideology was, get the access design right from the beginning you don’t need ramps.
“We have included Changing Places facilities and full access for wheelchair users to the pools. We’ve installed a movable floor in the learner pool which can be raised for toddler sessions. The development also conforms to dementia-friendly design guides.”
The general website is
www.networkspace.co.uk and development specific is:
www.networkspace.co.uk/services/development/ tameside-wellness-centre
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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2020
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