Willmott Dixon’s team of leisure experts are helping Stockport Council to develop a new community and leisure hub in Marple.

Supported by a £20m grant from the Levelling Up Fund, the leisure project will be built in Marple Memorial Park. It will include a five-lane swimming pool, library, large fitness suite, and health clinic.

Stockport Council has now submitted a planning application for the project with a decision expected in June.

Marple’s existing police station, library and health clinic will be demolished to make way for the new community hub.

The project follows the official opening of Stockport’s town centre Viaduct Park and Interchange, delivered by Willmott Dixon for Transport for Greater Manchester.

Cllr Colin MacAlister, Stockport Council cabinet member for economy, regeneration and housing, said: “I was very impressed with how Willmott Dixon operated its Building Lives Academy during the construction of the town’s new Interchange and Viaduct Park, so I am looking forward to more of the borough’s youngsters having the opportunity to be involved in the construction of the Hub if the plans are approved.”

Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “At Marple Community and Leisure Hub we are committed to delivering a social return on investment of £3.78m including 132 weeks of apprenticeship training and 40 weeks of work placements.”