Northgate Arena refurbishment on track for Spring 2026 as site reaches one-year milestone

Brio and Cheshire West and Chester Council are celebrating a major milestone as the refurbishment of Brio Northgate Arena hits one year, with the transformation firmly on track for completion in Spring 2026.

As a part of the Chester One City Plan, the refurbishment is reimagining the much-loved leisure centre as a modern, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming space for the whole community.

Led by Read Construction, significant progress has been made across the site.

Key areas are now taking shape, with the sauna, steam room, and squash courts substantially complete. Swimming pool areas have been completely overhauled, including the creation of new viewing areas and the installation of acoustic panelling to improve customer experience. Modern and welcoming changing rooms on both ground and first floors are close to completion. External works continue, with final stages currently being agreed.

A new flume has been installed and the specialist contractor iPlay is preparing to install brand-new water play equipment.

Brio has shared the good news that the whale is staying in the main pool and will be getting a fresh lick of paint.

The leisure centre has remained open throughout the refurbishment, offering a temporary gym, fitness classes, and a wide programme of sports and activities, retaining thousands of loyal customers and enabling them to remain physically active.

The team has kept the community closely connected through regular social media updates and behind-the-scenes content. Customers have praised staff for their positivity and service during the works, with one commenting, “I’ve never known a place to undergo something like this and still have a lovely, friendly, happy team with minimal disruption”.

Matthew Parker, Managing Director of Brio said:

“Reaching this milestone is a fantastic moment. The transformation is simply incredible, and as we now enter the final stages excitement grows. We can’t wait to welcome existing and new customers to what will be a truly outstanding facility for Chester, the wider borough population and beyond.”

Cllr Adam Langan, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“This exciting project demonstrates the Council’s commitment to investing in high-quality, inclusive leisure facilities that support health, wellbeing and community life.

“I really can’t wait to see the fully refurbished Northgate Arena when it is revealed in the Spring”.

A video preview for what’s to come is available on Brio’s social media pages.

Follow along to stay updated.

Visit the Brio website for more updates: 

https://www.brioleisure.org/northgate-arena-refurb