Exciting investment plans for Halewood took a step forward after planning permission was granted for Knowsley Council to deliver major external improvements at Volair Halewood Leisure Centre.

Work is now scheduled to commence in the summer to deliver the following improvements:

• A proposed coach drop-off area to the east of the site, allowing direct access to the leisure centre for potential community and educational groups visiting the site.
• General landscaping and biodiversity improvements, including three new multi-use games areas
• A new, off road public cycleway connecting the East of Halewood development with the town centre;
• An area reserved for future sports facilities to the west of the leisure centre
• Reconfiguration and improvement of car parking
• Installation of floodlights
• Installation of CCTV and general lighting
• Provision for a temporary pop-up area to the south of the existing leisure centre for potential village market days
• Improvements to leisure and recreation facilities are a key part of Knowsley Council’s £30m investment plans for Halewood.

A significant upgrade of the all-weather facilities at Volair Halewood has already been completed, while work is underway to deliver internal improvements and a programme of decarbonisation.

Halewood Apollo FC Secures Semi-Professional Promotion Following Stadium Upgrades

The outdoor redevelopment incorporates critical sports ground infrastructure designed to match the rapid competitive rise of the resident football club.

The improvements will enable Volair’s resident club, Halewood Apollo FC, to progress through the football pyramid.

The Council have worked in partnership with the club to deliver improvements at Volair Halewood, such as covered seating and standing provisions, a turnstile, increased pitch-side hard-standing for spectators, improved floodlighting, acoustic fencing and an external toilet block.

These improvements, combined with their impressive performances on the pitch, have allowed the club to achieve their goal of semi-professional football for the 2026/27 season.

Joseph Stocks, Manager of Halewood Apollo FC and owner of Apollo Active CIC, said: 

“The improvements at the Leisure Centre have been fantastic for both the local community and the football club. 

“The upgraded facilities have played a huge part in helping Halewood Apollo secure promotion into non-league football. 

“The developments have also supported the continued growth of our junior academy, giving local children access to better quality facilities and more opportunities to take part in football and sport within their own community. 

“Alongside this, the growth of the club has helped create new coaching opportunities and volunteering pathways for local residents, which is something we are extremely proud of. 

“For the community, it gives local people something to be proud of and creates a clear football pathway for young players coming through our junior academy. It also raises the profile of Halewood in a positive way and shows what can be achieved through investment in local facilities and community sport.”

Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: 

“Delivering improvements to leisure facilities is a key element of our Halewood investment masterplan. 

“These improvement works will provide significant benefits to the community and I’m delighted to see the plans take another step forward.”

Developer Contributions and Government Funds Drive Total Upgrade Capital

The external overhaul is funded via a complex blend of national infrastructure allocations and local housing expansion funds.

Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: 

“These works will significantly enhance the outdoor facilities and improve the area around the Leisure Centre, ensuring it will be a long-term asset for the wider community. 

“I’m sure Volair members and the Halewood community will be delighted to see these exciting investment plans progress.”

Knowsley Council secured £15.3m UK Government funding and an additional £2.5 million from the City Region Sustainable Travel Settlement to invest in Halewood.

In addition, the Council has secured around £13m in Section 106 contributions from developers delivering the East of Halewood housing development.

This investment is already being ploughed into improved services and facilities in Halewood, meaning that over £30 million will be invested in Halewood in the coming years.

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