As part of its ambition to encourage an active community and create a commercially sustainable future for its leisure provision, Wirral Council has invested £2.7 million in the repositioning and development of the Wirral Tennis & Sports Centre as an activity hub for the whole family. The facility has been renamed Bidston Sports & Activity Centre.

Alliance Leisure were appointed as the council’s leisure development partner and delivered the project through the UK Leisure Framework, which is managed by Denbighshire Leisure, the new destination offers residents and visitors a multitude of experiences to encourage movement and social interactions, helping to promote community cohesion and encourage good health through physical activity.

The facility is divided into three zones; ‘adventure play’, ‘fitness’ and ‘tennis’. Each zone is served by a central remodelled reception area, and supported by a large communal food and beverage facility with a dual server.

"Working with Alliance Leisure – a proven leisure development specialist - has been extremely positive," said Andrew McCartan, Assistant Director, Wirral Council. "At all stages of the development, we had confidence that the project was being managed and directed by those with decades of previous experience and that we were benefiting from efficiencies at all levels of the supply chain. The finished project looks and feels amazing and will enhance the lives of everyone within the community for many years to come."

"The facility has been transformed from a sports facility into a multi-activity destination," said Tom Gardner, Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure. "Through the various activities, there is now a provision for all ages and abilities, creating a place where the whole family can get involved. Extensive research has evidenced that active children are more likely to develop into active adults. Encouraging active play from an early age sets the foundations for an active adult population and all the benefits that delivers for individuals and communities."

For youngsters aged 8 and above, and also adults, there is TAGactive arena, a digitally gamified obstacle course, whilst a large soft play area will cater for younger children. This area has been designed to encourage families to spend active time together in a safe, stimulating and fun environment.

A new fitness suite, equipped with a comprehensive selection of cardiovascular and strength training equipment, supported by a dedicated, immersive group cycle studio provides state of the art training facilities for all ages and abilities, whilst tennis remains an integral part of the offer, thanks to the retained provision of six indoor courts.

Supporting Alliance Leisure in project delivery is Universal Group as principal contractor, Pozzoni Architects and Play Revolution, the designers and supplier of the TAGactive and adventure play structures. Works began in November 2022.

The facility is owned by Wirral Council and managed by Active Wirral, although the tennis provision is now managed directly by the Lawn Tennis Association due to a direct new partnership for the NGB with Wirral Council.