The countdown is on to the opening of Stockport’s new £20 million Marple Hub, with the landmark new community facility set to welcome residents for the first time on Friday 11 December.

Bringing a modern library, swimming pool, gym and fitness studios, café, community spaces and Marple clinic together under one roof, the Hub represents a major investment in the heart of Marple.

Work is now entering its final stages across the building, including the swimming pool, changing facilities and new 60-station gym, as preparations step up ahead of opening day.

The leisure facilities, which will be managed by Life Leisure, will offer swimming, gym and group exercise opportunities.

Stockport – Marple
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The project has received £20 million funding from UK Government, with additional support from Sport England, including £1.5 million for the movable pool floor and splash pad, and £500,000 from its Active Environments fund for wider improvements within Marple Memorial Park.

The movable floor in the pool allows the depth to be adjusted for different activities, from family swimming and lessons to training and fitness sessions. Accessibility features include handrails on the pool steps and a pool pod to support wheelchair users.

At the heart of the Hub will be its new library, providing a modern and welcoming place for people to read, learn, get online, take part in activities, access support and spend time with others.

By bringing library, leisure, health and community services together in one location, the Hub will make it easier for residents to access a wide range of facilities and support within their community.

The development also forms part of wider improvements around Marple Memorial Park, with work to enhance outdoor facilities and walking and wheeling routes progressing alongside the Hub.

Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Confirming the opening date is a really exciting moment for Marple and for everyone who has been following the Hub’s progress.

“From 11 December, residents will be able to enjoy everything this fantastic new building has to offer, whether that’s swimming in the new pool, getting active in the gym, visiting the library, accessing health services or simply meeting friends.

“Marple Hub represents a significant investment in the community and in the services people use and value. It’s also a great example of how we can bring services together and create modern, welcoming spaces that meet the changing needs of our communities.”

The new pool with the moveable floor
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John Oxley, CEO of Life Leisure, said: “We’re incredibly excited to now have an opening date for Marple Hub and to be preparing to welcome the community.

“There has already been a great deal of interest in the new facilities and 11 December will be a fantastic moment for Marple. We’re looking forward to seeing the building come to life and residents enjoying everything it has to offer.”

Cllr Roberts and Cllr Meikle in the new Marple Hub which will open on December 11
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Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills at Stockport Council and ward member for Marple North, said: “Marple Hub is a major investment in the heart of the community, bringing high-quality facilities and important services together in one place.

“Confirming the opening date is another significant milestone and means residents can now look forward to seeing that vision become a reality on 11 December.”

The opening of Marple Hub is also part of the council’s wider work to ensure libraries and community spaces continue to meet residents’ needs.

Alongside new facilities such as Stockroom and Marple Hub, the council is looking at how libraries can continue to support reading, learning, digital access, activities, wellbeing and community connections. The next step will include essential improvements to Hazel Grove Library.

Residents can already find out more about the new Hub at the Marple Hub information pod in Memorial Park, where Life Leisure is available to answer questions about the facilities, activities and opportunities that will be on offer.