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 redevelopment and repositioning of the Wirral Tennis & Sports Centre into a family-focused activity hub. 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. The new destination offers residents and visitors a wide range of experiences designed to promote movement and social interaction, fostering community cohesion and supporting good health through physical activity.

The facility is divided into three distinct zones: ‘adventure play’, ‘fitness’, and ‘tennis’. Each zone is accessed via a newly remodelled central reception area and supported by a spacious communal food and beverage area featuring a dual servery.

Working with Alliance Leisure – a proven leisure development specialist – has been extremely positive. 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.

Andrew McCartan
Assistant Director, Wirral Council

The facility has been transformed from a sports facility into a multi-activity destination. 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

Tom Gardner
Tom Gardner
Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure

For children aged eight and over, as well as adults, the TAGactive arena offers a digitally gamified obstacle course, while a large soft play area caters for younger children. This space has been thoughtfully designed to encourage families to enjoy active time together in a safe, stimulating, and fun environment.

A new fitness suite, equipped with a comprehensive range of cardiovascular and strength training equipment, is complemented by a dedicated, immersive group cycling studio. These state-of-the-art facilities cater to all ages and abilities. Tennis also remains a core part of the centre’s offering, with the continued provision of six indoor courts.

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

The facility is owned by Wirral Council and operated by Active Wirral. However, the tennis provision is now managed directly by the Lawn Tennis Association, following a new partnership between the national governing body and Wirral Council.