Construction has officially begun on the long-awaited Marple Community Hub, a £20 million development that will bring a state-of-the-art leisure, health and library complex to the heart of Stockport.

Local leaders, partners, and the main contractor Willmott Dixon gathered in Marple Memorial Park for a ceremonial ground-breaking event to mark the start of work on the landmark project, which is due to open in 2026.

Part-funded by the Government's Levelling Up Fund and procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework, the hub will deliver a modern library, a five-lane swimming pool, a 60-station gym, a café, and a new home for Marple Clinic. The development is designed to promote healthier lifestyles and expand access to essential community services.

Cllr Mark Roberts, Deputy Leader of Stockport Council, said: "This is a major milestone for Marple — a project driven by local voices and delivered in partnership to meet the needs of residents now and for the future. The hub is a landmark investment in the future of our borough - it's about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive space that brings people together, supports healthier lifestyles, and strengthens our local economy."

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Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, added: "The new hub will bring health, leisure and community services together under one roof, with real benefits for people of all ages. It's a brilliant example of the kind of place-based investment we’re championing across Stockport."

Darren Palmer, Director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: "We share Stockport Council's passion for ensuring this vibrant and innovative community hub creates opportunities for the people of Marple. In recently delivering Stockport Interchange and Viaduct Park, our team worked alongside incredible local organisations such as PURE College and we proud to be doing so again.

"To date on the project, we've created six new employment opportunities including for local people from barriered backgrounds. We’ve supported 47 apprentice weeks and delivered a bespoke skills and training ‘Building Lives Academy’ programme alongside HMP Styal resulting in two employment opportunities. We are also running our monthly free after-school Construction Club for children at All Saints Primary School and we have delivered 11 careers in construction sessions with local school and college students."

The event, hosted by Stockport Council and Willmott Dixon, featured speeches from key partners including Sport England, the NHS, Life Leisure, and local councillors, alongside a tour of the site where building work is now underway.