For over seven decades, the building on Newton Road in Lowton has been more than bricks and mortar—it has been a heartbeat for generations of young people. Built in the 1950s, it pulsed with life through the raw energy of punk rock and heavy metal in the ’70s and ’80s, then the rhythmic beats of MCs and DJs in the ’90s. Thousands walked through its doors, finding friendship, escape, and belonging in a space that felt like home.
But as the new century dawned, the vibrancy faded. Usage dwindled, the building fell into decay—leaks, damp, darkness—and eventually, silence. By the early 2000s, it stood dormant, a shadow of its former self, structurally compromised and seemingly destined for abandonment.
Then came hope in the form of Leigh Judo Club. Through Wigan Council’s first asset transfer, the club took stewardship with limited resources but unlimited determination. An army of volunteers—skilled tradespeople, parents, members—rolled up their sleeves. They fixed urgent structural issues through sheer grit, funded by member dues and local donations after funding bids fell short.
Their ingenuity shone: recycled tyres became a sprung floor for safe training; scaffolding boards turned into supports and design elements. A dark, unwelcoming entrance brightened into a welcoming space. A leaking community room transformed into a multifunctional cafe and meeting area. An unused sports room became a state-of-the-art dojo with warm changing rooms. A damp storage space evolved into a pristine healthcare clinic for pain relief. An underused room gained soundproofing as a media and recording studio to spark creativity in the young.
Suddenly, the centre hummed again—from 6 hours to over 100 hours of use monthly. Piano lessons, baby massage, physio classes, parties, events, even a dementia cafe and film location. As home to award-winning Leigh Judo Club, it hosted international athletes and Olympians.
This was no mere renovation; it was a revival born of love for community. Yet, the story was far from over. The building’s age and weather’s wrath loomed, setting the stage for the greatest test yet.
"We’ve faced an untold number of issues. Without the opportunity, our club would not have been able to grow and cope with demand. It was testament to the dedicated hard work of our volunteers at the club that have worked tirelessly just to keep the centre up and running. It really does show what can be accomplished if the community comes together.” - Luke Brown
What a club. This is what it’s all about, everyone pitching in. I liked how it didn’t just show finished rooms, it showed people working side by side. You see families, volunteers, coaches and neighbours all muckin in. It doesn’t feel staged, it feels like real people building something they can be proud of.
What a club. This is what it’s all about, everyone pitching in. I liked how it didn’t just show finished rooms, it showed people workin side by side. You see families, volunteers, coaches and neighbours all muckin in. It doesn’t feel staged, it feels like real people buildin somethin they can be proud of.
Used tyres making a sprung floor. Ingenious!