The launch of Mablethorpe’s new Station Leisure & Learning Centre marks the beginning of a once-in-a-generation transformation for the Lincolnshire seaside town. Delivered by Alliance Leisure on behalf of East Lindsey District Council, the development aims to tackle the town’s poor health and educational outcomes, while also bringing benefits for visitors and the local economy.

Mablethorpe ranks in the lowest 12% of towns in England for health, with significant levels of frailty among its older population. The area also struggles with poor educational attainment and skills, while 58% of the working-age population are economically inactive, compared to 20% nationally.

The multi-functional community development, designed by lead architects Pozzoni, was managed by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, with ISG acting as principal building contractor.

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

The centre is complemented by a spacious café, social workspace, and The Signal Box — a dedicated community space focused on learning and skills development. The development also includes a new outdoor playground for the local community. An 80kW solar PV array has been installed on the roof, with plans for the centre to feed excess electricity back into the grid.

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.

Sean Nolan
Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure

The development has been funded by £7.5 million from the Towns Fund, with additional match funding provided by East Lindsey District Council. The investment follows the successful bid by the Connected Coast Town Deal Board, which secured £23.9 million of Towns Fund support for the town. East Lindsey District Council — part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, alongside Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council — led the development.

 

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.

Cllr Richard Fry
Political Lead for Station Leisure & Learning Centre at East Lindsey District Council

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

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.

Aeneas Richardson
Executive Director, Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure & Culture

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

Meanwhile, £24.5 million is being invested in seven transformational projects in nearby Skegness, with a further £21.9 million allocated to regenerate the Lincolnshire coastline in Boston.

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.

Craig Savage
Alliance Framework Lead, ISG