Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub, Warrington

The Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub in Warrington sets a new standard for community architecture. This £16 million regeneration project transformed a traditional leisure centre into a multi-purpose destination that integrates health, wellbeing, and social services all under one roof.

Creating Light and Openness

A defining feature of the redevelopment is its dramatic two-storey glazed facade. This architectural gesture introduces transparency and visual connectivity, creating a welcoming civic presence. Expansive glazing floods the interior with natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing user wellbeing. Carefully positioned opaque panels provide solar control and privacy where needed, balancing aesthetics with performance.

This double-height not only elevates the building's architectural identity but also reinforces its role as a central hub for the community, one that's open, accessible, and future-ready.

How TECHNAL Supported the Vision

Delivering this ambitious design required facade systems that could meet stringent technical and aesthetic requirements. TECHNAL's solutions were selected for their ability to combine design freedom with proven performance.

• Architectural Flexibility: Slim sightlines and modular configurations allowed the architect to achieve a clean, contemporary rhythm across the elevation.

• Structural Capability: Robust engineering supports large-scale, double-height glazing without compromising safety or stability.

• Thermal Efficiency: High insulation values contribute to reduced energy consumption, supporting compliance with Part L and long-term operational savings.

• Integrated Functionality: The facade accommodates spandrel panels and ventilation units, ensuring comfort and visual consistency.

These attributes enabled the design team to realise a space that feels open and inclusive while meeting the technical demands of a high-traffic public building.

Designed Around People

The Hub is more than a leisure centre - it's a community anchor. Facilities include swimming pools, sports halls, dance studios, tennis courts, a library, a cafe, and wellness spaces. A fully integrated GP surgery and health services make it a destination for holistic wellbeing.

Accessibility was a priority throughout the design process. Dementia-friendly principles informed intuitive layouts and colour-coded wayfinding, ensuring the building is easy to navigate for all users. Over 700 local residents were consulted during planning, reinforcing the project's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.

Sustainability at the Core

As part of Hydro, TECHNAL champions circularity and low-carbon innovation. Our aluminium windows, doors, and facades are all made with Hydro CIRCAL® 75R as standard, which contains a minimum of 75% recycled post-consumer scrap. This significantly lowers embodied carbon by around 82% when compared to the European average for primary aluminium, helping architects and contractors meet sustainability targets and contribute to the UK's net-zero ambitions.

By combining advanced thermal performance with low-carbon materials, TECHNAL enables sustainable design without compromise - delivering facades that perform today and protect tomorrow.

A Blueprint for Future Community Architecture

The Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub demonstrates how advanced facade technology can shape spaces that go beyond recreation - creating environments that promote learning, wellbeing, and social connection. Through technical performance, sustainable design, and meaningful community engagement, TECHNAL helps architects and contractors deliver projects that stand the test of time.