A NEW health and fitness hub which will be overseen by the operators of the Metrodome will open in a transformed shopping centre by 2028, it was announced yesterday.
Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) will take over a ‘large space’ in the Alhambra, which was purchased by Barnsley Council for £4.5m in 2023 and has since had its first floor turned into a medical hub.
The Health on the High Street project has seen services transfer to the venue - chosen for its easy-to-access location and ample parking - including ophthalmology, optometry and retinal screening.
These have been followed by rheumatology, dermatology and orthotics and now the Chronicle can reveal that BPL want to open their ‘Feel Good Hub’ by 2028.
A report, which was discussed by Barnsley Council’s health and wellbeing board yesterday, said over-55s will be targeted in particular.
“The Alhambra provides BPL with an opportunity to address market changes, creating a space to increase our fitness membership by targeting the over-55s,” it said.
“It also provides an exciting opportunity to increase the referral and specialist preventative programmes we offer.
“In spaces that can be designed to increase behavioural change, our space will enable over 5,000 residents per year to start a new active lifestyle through a variety of different opportunities.
“This is where BPL need the support of other health and wellbeing board members to help create innovative programmes and stimulate demand for the facility.
“Corporate health and wellness promotions would also be offered from the venue, offering local businesses the opportunity to provide health and wellness to their employees.
“BPL also plan to create a space that encourages innovation in health and wellness.
“By acting as a central hub to enable collaboration and creativity from other services and entrepreneurs.
“The venue will be located on the first floor of the Alhambra with direct access to the car park.
“It will be open seven days a week from 7am to 8pm.”
It’s estimated more than 100,000 visits a year could be made to the Alhambra instead of Barnsley Hospital, reducing traffic and pressure on parking in the area, while also bringing more visitors and economic benefit into the thriving town centre following the Glass Works’ completion.
Michael Hirst, chief executive of BPL, added: “Our purpose is to help the people of Barnsley feel good and we’re all really excited about the innovative Feel Good Hub which we plan to bring to the Alhambra.
“It’ll be a large, fun, friendly and welcoming space offering a variety of different health, fitness and wellbeing activities to help local people start their feel-good journey.”
