The Cath Thom Leisure Centre Officially Opens at Wilson Sports Village
The Cath Thom Leisure Centre Officially Opens at Wilson Sports Village
Hyndburn Borough Council is proud to announce the official opening of the Cath Thom Leisure Centre, a state-of-the-art facility at Wilson Sports Village, on Friday 10 October 2025.
Image: Cllr Munsif Dad, Kevin Mills (Sport England) opening The Cath Thom Leisure Centre accompanied by the Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Kimberley Whitehead, Ciaran Wells (Hyndburn Leisure), Lyndsey Sims (Hyndburn Leisure), Catherine Phillips and Laraine Chippendale (Cath Thom’s family members)
The centre was formally opened by Cllr Munsif Dad, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, alongside Kevin Mills from Sport England, the Mayor of Hyndburn, representatives from Hyndburn Leisure, members of Cath Thom’s family and a host of invited guests including the project team, suppliers, national governing bodies of sport, local schools and community clubs.
Named in honour of Cath Thom, a beloved former councillor and Mayor of Hyndburn, the centre stands as a lasting tribute to her decades of service and unwavering commitment to the borough. Cath was known for her warmth, determination and passion for community wellbeing.
Image: Family members of the late Cath Thom, after whom the centre has been named
Cllr Munsif Dad, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said:
“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through determination and effective partnership working. The Cath Thom Leisure Centre will be a focal point for health and wellbeing in our borough and a fitting tribute to someone who gave so much to our community. I’m delighted to see it open and ready to welcome residents.”
The centre offers a wide range of modern facilities designed to support active lifestyles for all ages and abilities. These include a four-lane 25-metre swimming pool with Poolpod 3.0 accessible entry system, a state-of-the-art gym and fitness suite, sauna and steam room, group exercise studio, wellbeing and meeting rooms, a large changing village, dedicated changing facilities for outdoor sports teams, a community club room and an on-site café.
Attendees at the opening were treated to a tour of the new facility, which is now open to the public.
Accessibility has been a key focus throughout the design, with level access, wide corridors and doors, accessible showers and toilets, braille signage, ramps, handrails and outdoor seating areas. A fully equipped Changing Places facility has also been installed to support individuals with complex needs and was officially opened by Zack Kerr, Freeman of the Borough of Hyndburn and award-winning campaigner for Changing Places facilities, alongside Councillors Kimberley Whitehead and Munsif Dad.
Zack Kerr, Freeman of the Borough of Hyndburn and award-winning Changing Places campaigner said:
“I was delighted to be invited to attend the opening of the new Cath Thom Leisure Centre today with my dad. It was a privilege to cut the ribbon on the new Changing Places facility with my friends Councillors Kimberley Whitehead and Munsif Dad. The Changing Places campaign continues to be very important to me and this facility will make the leisure centre more accessible to far more people in Hyndburn and beyond.
I was also delighted to have the opportunity to tour the centre and talk to staff and representatives from Sport England and the Council about how the swimming and exercise facilities can be made even more accessible for users like myself who have more complex needs and disabilities.”
Image: Cllr Munsif Dad, Teri Davies (Father of Zack Kerr),Zack Kerr, Freeman of the Borough of Hyndburn, Cllr Kimberley Whitehead and opening the Changing Places Facility at The Cath Thom Leisure Centre
The centre is a flagship development in Hyndburn’s leisure transformation strategy, supported by a £12.9 million investment. Sustainability has been central to the project, with the building incorporating air source heat pumps, solar panels and low and zero carbon technologies to support the Council’s net-zero ambitions. Sport England provided a £2.64 million grant to support the project alongside the Council’s investment and provided support and guidance throughout the design and construction process.
Kevin Mills, Director of Place Development at Sport England, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have invested £2.64 million into the Cath Thom Leisure Centre through our Strategic Facilities Fund. This landmark development reflects our commitment to creating high-quality, inclusive spaces that help people of all backgrounds and abilities get active.
Hyndburn’s vision for Wilson Sports Village aligns perfectly with our goal of delivering the right facilities in the right places, and we’re thrilled to see this project come to life.”
Construction was delivered by Universal Civils and Build Ltd following the administration of the original contractor in 2024. Thanks to swift action by Council officers and Alliance Leisure, the project was restarted and completed with minimal delay.
Mark Gibbons, Lead Contractor, Universal Civils and Build Ltd, said:
“We’re proud to have played a role in delivering this landmark facility. Despite the challenges, the teamwork and commitment from all partners ensured we delivered a centre that the community can be proud of.”
The Cath Thom Leisure Centre complements existing outdoor facilities at Wilson Sports Village including a running track, sports pitches and woodland trails. Operated by Hyndburn Leisure, the centre has already seen an overwhelming response, with hundreds of memberships sold in the first week of pre-sale.
Lyndsey Sims, CEO of Hyndburn Leisure, added:
“This centre is a game-changer for Hyndburn. It’s a place for people to connect, get active and feel part of something special. We’re thrilled to welcome the community through the doors.”
Funding for the Cath Thom Leisure Centre was secured through a £12.9 million investment led by Hyndburn Borough Council, with £2.64 million contributed by Sport England as part of a wider leisure transformation strategy for the borough.
For more information about the centre, its facilities and membership options, visit: www.hyndburnleisure.co.uk/centres/wilson-sports-village