Alliance Leisure has been appointed to work on the concept design for a new leisure centre for Kingston upon Thames London Borough Council in south-west London.
Appointed via the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), Alliance Leisure will help shape the new two-storey venue, which has sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity at its heart. The design team, which includes architects Roberts Limbrick, are currently working with community stakeholders, potential future users and the council to ensure the new design meets their needs. Public update sessions are ongoing this month with engagement on the proposed designs scheduled for the spring. The new design will replace former plans for a leisure complex as the council made the decision not to proceed with the approved application when the unprecedented national financial picture led to the costs rising to almost double the agreed budget. Located in Kingston town centre on the site of the old Kingfisher Leisure Centre which closed in 2019, outline plans for the new facility include two swimming pools with moveable floors. The 25m, eight lane pool will offer spectator seating for 150 people, while the smaller pool measuring 20m x 10m will feature lights, water fountains and accessible steps for fun splash sessions.
A pool pod and hoist will be available in both pools for comfortable access for those with additional needs. Following extensive consultation and a strategic review of indoor sports needs across the borough, other facilities will include a 150- station gym, four-court sports hall, three multi-activity studios, a group cycling studio, two squash courts, a spa suite with sauna and steam room, café and a soft play area. The centre will also offer a fully accessible Changing Places toilet facility. Spaces around the site will be enhanced as part of the project, including upgrading the outdoor play area and improving green space. The development aims to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and will incorporate Net Zero design principles and a host of technologies to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs. The building will be all electric, with power supported by solar panels and heat generated by air source heat pumps.
Chris Jones, project director at Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, said: “Kingston Council is committed to building a new swimming and leisure centre in Kingston town centre and we have been working at pace to bring forward revised proposals for the complex. We are pleased to have such an experienced project team, managed through Alliance Leisure and procured through the UK Leisure Framework, to ensure that the project can be delivered on time, include the range of activities that residents and stakeholders said they wanted to see, and within an affordable budget.” Tom Fairey, development director, Alliance Leisure, said: “Having developed over 200 leisure projects, our role is to use this experience to lead a team of best-in-class experts to develop an outstanding new leisure facility for Kingston. We are looking forward to shaping a new, sustainable and inclusive leisure centre that meets the needs of the local community providing long lasting improvements in physical and mental health and wellbeing.” The project team includes architects Roberts Limbrick, Hadron Consulting, Design Active and Varsity QS.
