Plans advance for £35m Dewsbury leisure centre

Kirklees Council has begun developing detailed proposals for a new leisure centre to serve the towns of Dewsbury and Batley in West Yorkshire.

Described as a “major step forward” for the plans, the work comes after the project secured £35m worth of funding at the council’s budget meeting on 25 February 2026.

“The next stage will include engaging experts in sports, leisure and health to help us to shape a facility that delivers long-term benefits for local communities,” the council said in a statement.

“That work will make sure the centre has the right mix of facilities to make a real and lasting difference to health and wellbeing for people in Dewsbury, Batley and across North Kirklees.”

The facility mix will include a swimming pool. A health club, featuring a large gym and studios, and an indoor sports provision are also likely to be included.

“We are also considering whether we could co-locate additional services on site,” a spokesperson for Kirklees Council said.

“This could include community facilities for local groups and flexible spaces that help build social connections. The centre could also include local health services. Co-locating these services could create a resource that tackles health inequalities and strengthens community wellbeing.”

Specialist consultants are expected to be appointed in the coming weeks and their findings will be considered by the council in the autumn. The council will then assess suitable sites for the facility before construction can begin.