Aspire @ The Park
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Key stats
Project details
Appointed by Willmott Dixon, following engagement with Wakefield Borough Council, GT3 developed the design for Aspire @ The Park, the Five Towns Leisure and Wellbeing Hub.
Located within Pontefract Park, the new leisure centre was designed as a community-focused hub for residents across the Five Towns District. Engagement with local organisations, including Dementia UK, helped shape an inclusive, dementia-friendly environment that meets the needs of all ages and supports wider participation in sport, leisure and wellbeing.
The material palette was chosen to help the building sit comfortably within its park setting while maintaining a contemporary feel. An ‘inside out’ approach further blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, establishing the hub as a natural extension of Pontefract Park.
Key Deliverables
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01
Commercial Value
Aspire @ The Park represents a £21 million investment in a district-scale leisure and wellbeing destination, creating a high-quality facility for residents across the Five Towns. By bringing a broad leisure, fitness and wellbeing offer into one accessible hub, the centre helps retain local leisure spend, strengthens public provision and supports the long-term value of Wakefield’s community infrastructure.
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Social Impact
Designed as a community hub for all ages, Aspire @ The Park widens participation by creating an inclusive, accessible and dementia-friendly environment for residents across the Five Towns District. Its location within Pontefract Park strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor activity, supporting health, wellbeing and social connection in a setting that feels open, familiar and rooted in the local community.
What our clients say
Aspire@ThePark continues to help tackle health inequalities, creating a welcoming place where people of all ages can move more.
