Manchester creates £13 million integrated wellbeing destination
By Kath Hudson 02 Aug 2026
The Wythenshawe project co-locates sports and health facilities / Norse Group
Alliance Leisure and Manchester City Council have broken ground on a £13 million project
It will connect Wythenshawe Park Hub and Wythenshawe Sports Ground Hub into a single active destination
The development combines modernised sports facilities with healthcare provisions and community spaces
It is designed to boost grassroots participation while delivering local job, skill, and volunteering opportunities
Work is underway on a £13 million project in Wythenshawe, UK, which will unite the Wythenshawe Park Hub and Wythenshawe Sports Ground Hub as a single integrated destination
Delivered by Alliance Leisure for Manchester City Council, the project will create an active environment where modern sports facilities, healthcare provision, community spaces and active travel infrastructure work together, reflecting the growing trend towards integrating leisure and health to support preventative wellbeing
The Wythenshawe Park Hub is at the centre of the wider park masterplan. The single-storey facility will include a reception area, café, flexible community spaces, changing facilities, a cycle hub and workshop, as well as GP and health provision delivered in partnership with Northern Moor Medical Practice and Manchester Health and Care Commissioning, bringing primary healthcare into the heart of the park
The wider scheme also includes improved connectivity across the park, with relocated athletics and baseball facilities, enhanced parking and access, all of which will help create a vibrant multi-sport destination that supports year-round participation
The existing pavilion at Wythenshawe Sports Ground will be refurbished to provide a new reception, café, community rooms and Football Foundation-compliant changing facilities, while providing a permanent home for the weightlifting club relocating from Wythenshawe Park
Together, the two hubs have been designed to operate as a single destination where healthcare, sport, community services and active travel are brought together to encourage people to be more active, more often
Councillor Shazia Butt, executive member for culture, leisure and libraries at Manchester City Council, said: “This investment is about much more than new buildings. It is about creating a connected neighbourhood hub where sport, health, education and community services come together to help people live healthier, more active lives
“By improving access to physical activity and wellbeing support, creating new jobs, skills and volunteering opportunities and providing a home for local clubs and community groups, the work will deliver lasting benefits for residents of all ages and backgrounds
“The project will help tackle health inequalities, support the growth of grassroots sport, create opportunities for women, girls and disabled people to get active, and strengthen civic pride across Wythenshawe. Importantly, it will also provide a sustainable legacy for the city, generating long-term social, health, economic and environmental benefits while supporting Manchester’s ambitions for healthier communities and a greener future.”
James Foley, regional director at Alliance Leisure, said: “Across the country, we’re seeing increasing recognition that the places we create have a profound impact on people’s health and wellbeing. Projects like this one in Wythenshawe demonstrate how place-based investment in community infrastructure can bring together sport, health and local services to make active lifestyles part of everyday life.”
Construction is expected to be completed in autumn 2027
Alliance Leisure
James Foley
Manchester City Council
Shazia Butt
Health
Medical
Wellbeing
Community
Culture
Education
Environment
Investment
Participation
Partnership
People
Public sector
Women
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