The centre has been operating at a reduced capacity since November 2021 while undergoing significant refurbishment and works to improve its energy efficiency.

Manchester City Council has delivered upgrades to all areas of the building. This includes improving the swimming pools, enhancing the health and fitness facilities which now feature three new gym spaces all on one level, a new fitness studio and new group cycle studio, leisure water (including new splash pad facilities), new café facilities, health suite and changing spaces with new accessible changing provision to support disabled people and those with additional needs, and new digital and sustainable technologies to provide a more modern and efficient building.

In line with the council’s commitment to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2038, sustainability, energy efficiency and decarbonisation have been at the heart of the refurbishment. 

More than £3m in investment was secured for new green technologies, funded by the National Public Sector Decarbonisations Scheme. The existing gas heating system has been replaced by high efficiency, all electric Air Source Heat Pumps and 1,006 solar panels have been installed on the roof, alongside a battery system that will allow the centre to use solar energy even on Manchester’s cloudier days. In addition to this, a Building Management System using energy efficient lighting and new air handling units has also been introduced to preserve heat and reduce emissions.

Phase 2 of the refurbishment works will start in September and will include upgrades to all basement areas, programmed over the next 12-month period.

“The centre is a key player in contributing to Manchester’s reputation as an international city of sport and remains one of the most important legacy outcomes of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in the success of GB Para Swimming," said Andy King, CEO of Manchester Active.

“Not only will we welcome back a thriving events programme with national/international reach and significant economic value to Manchester, but also over 700 school children each week via Manchester school Swimming Programme and over 900 people on public learn to swim programmes, plus up to 14,000 health & fitness members and over 70,000 students from both Manchester universities.”