The launch of Mablethorpe’s new Station Leisure & Learning Centre marks the start of a once-in-a-generation transformation of the Lincolnshire seaside town. Delivered by Alliance Leisure, the development aims to address the town’s poor health and educational outcomes, while delivering benefits for visitors and the local economy.

Mablethorpe’s health ranking is in the lowest 12% of towns in England with significant levels of frailty amongst its older population. The area also suffers with poor levels of educational attainment and skills, while 58% of the working population are economically inactive compared to 20% in England.

The multi-functional community development, designed by lead architects, Pozzoni, was managed by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, with ISG as principle building contractor.

Located on the high street with its own car park, the new £13.5m Station Leisure & Learning Centre replaces Station Sports Centre and provides the town with its first public swimming pool offering swimming lessons, family swims, school swimming and public swim sessions. In addition to the four-lane, 25 metre pool and changing village, the 3,000m² scheme includes a large gym including functional areas and EGYM, multi-purpose studio and group cycling studio as well as a TAGactive indoor adventure area and soft play for younger children.

The centre is also served by a large café, social workspace and The Signal Box; a community space bringing learning to the area. The development offers a new outdoor playground for the community, while a 80kW solar PV array has been installed on the roof with a view to allowing the centre to feed excess electricity back into the grid.

Sean Nolan, Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure, said: “The launch of Station Leisure & Learning Centre marks a turning point for Mablethorpe. The impressive facility will transform this small town, enhancing the health, wellbeing and education of residents, while also acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration.”

The development has been funded by £7.5m from the Towns Fund, with match funding from East Lindsey District Council after the Connected Coast Town Deal Board secured £23.9m of Towns Fund investment for the town. East Lindsey District Council, part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership with Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council, led the development.

Cllr Richard Fry, Political Lead for Station Leisure & Learning Centre at East Lindsey District Council, said: “I am delighted that close working with all partners has seen this high-quality and transformational facility for Mablethorpe completed on schedule and to budget. This facility is a beacon of what can be achieved through collaboration.

“The benefits Station Leisure & Learning Centre will bring to local people will be far reaching and long lasting. For the first time, people in Mablethorpe of all ages will be able to access a swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness facilities without the need to travel, giving more people the opportunity to improve their mental wellbeing and fitness as well as to learn to swim. This venue will really make a difference to people from the local area and I thank all our partners who worked on this project for creating a leisure and learning facility we can all be proud of.”

Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure and Culture operates the new centre on behalf of the council.

Aeneas Richardson, Executive Director, Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure & Culture, said: “This project provides a shining example of collaborative, partnership working from initial public consultation to final build completion and future operation. We will seek to further develop a quality, fun, community meeting place and generate, improved health & wellbeing (both physically and mentally), personal skill development, improve professional & educational capability and vocational training opportunities leading to improved employment prospects, better prospects for jobs and longer-term, year-round career opportunities.”

Commenting on the project, Craig Savage, Alliance Framework Lead, ISG, said: “The Station Leisure & Learning Centre will offer state-of-the-art facilities for the local community, including Mablethorpe’s first public swimming pool, as well as new fitness and learning amenities. This investment underscores the importance of providing exceptional benefits to support the health and wellbeing of local residents. The project also highlights a broader commitment to creating spaces that foster community engagement and development.

“In line with the focus on building stronger communities, a piece of street art was commissioned, with contributions from 173 young people. This initiative aims to inspire more young people in the area to take an interest in art. Additionally, throughout the project, the team has volunteered their services to residents, assisting with tasks such as grass cutting, fencing, and various other activities.”

Station Leisure & Learning Centre is one of six regeneration projects planned for Mablethorpe. Designed to improve leisure, learning, travel and the overall experience of the town, the projects include improvements to the town centre, a sustainable visitor hub at Sandilands Nature Reserve and a new pavilion, café and restaurant for the seafront.

Meanwhile, £24.5m is funding seven transformational projects in nearby Skegness, with £21.9m being invested in Boston to regenerate the Lincolnshire coastline.