The new Marple Leisure Hub will soon take another step closer to realisation, with plans for the building due to be submitted in March.

The plans have been influenced by a public consultation with Marple residents, which garnered nearly 800 responses.

Prior to the submission of plans, Marple Library will close from February 29 – March 3 to allow for a ground survey investigation to take place.

However, Cllr Colin MacAlister - cabinet member for economy, regeneration and housing - maintained that works on the hub aim to be as undisruptive as possible.

"We're working hard to ensure that while construction takes place, as much as possible is done to maintain community events in the meantime", he said.

Furthermore, construction work has been scheduled to begin after Marple's carnival, to minimise disruption to Marple's events calendar.

Before plans for the new Leisure Hub are submitted, Marple Library will close from 29 February - March 3 for preliminary surveys (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Speaking of the consultation, Cllr Colin MacAlister - Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing - said: "It was so important to talk to as many people as possible – and I'm delighted that people have commented on how well we have done in including people's suggestions in the design." 

Among around 20 findings from the consultation were the following important takeaways:

• Addressing concerns that local residents would be affected by developments, the council said: "Every effort has been made to ensure the living conditions of residents living close to the Site are not adversely affected by the Marple Community Hub project."
• Residents at the consultation called for more on-site parking. The council said that the design team would "ensure as many car parking bays as possible are provided, without compromising pedestrian and other park users safety".
• The consultation found that trees and sustainable features were also a priority for residents. The council said that three trees will be planted for every one removed, and that the new hub will be net zero in carbon emissions.

In addition to these points, the council also addressed the building's proposed layout, nearby road crossings, and more. Find the full list of responses HERE.

Revised plans for the Marple Leisure Hub, following a consultation period with residents (Image - Stockport Council)

The £20 million hub project will deliver a two-storey building containing a new swimming pool, library, and fitness suite, along with clinical rooms and changing rooms.

The site will also include new cycling and walking routes, and a new wildlife habitat.

It comes after the former Marple Baths had to close five years ago.

It is hoped that a construction on the project can begin in Summer 2024 in line for opening in Winter 2025. 

An early CGI render of what the new hub could look like (Image - Stockport Council)

Willmott Dixon Construction Limited will carry out the design and build of the new site.

Cllr MacAlister said: "This hub will be central to Marple's community. We're working hard to ensure that while construction takes place, as much as possible is done to maintain community events in the meantime."

Speaking last year, he also said: "Marple has an older population but also has its share of social housing and is geographically isolated.

"This new hub will really help to address the increasing health inequalities in Marple, adding to people's quality of life, living longer and better and provide fabulous new facilities for the community."

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