Sports & Leisure Centre: Have Your Say

The proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre is a modern, state of the art leisure facility that will encompass swimming, studios, gym, flexible sports and leisure space, consolidating the majority of sports, leisure and swimming facilities currently being provided at different locations to one new, purpose-built building.

The proposals will see wet and dry facilities available under one roof, whereas they are currently split across two different locations. The facilities would be modern, future proofing the facility and ensuring that those using this have access to clean and high quality areas for health, wellbeing, leisure and sports.

The existing sports and leisure centre facilities, including the current swimming pool, are well used but were designed and built in the 1960’s and 70’s. By combining leisure and sports facilities we will not only have a much better, high quality facility on one site, but also a highly improved customer experience, lower maintenance costs, more efficient use of space and a significant reduction in our carbon footprint.

The project is being funded partly through Towns Fund, using some of the £37.5m awarded in March 2021, and part funded by Council Capital Funds and Developer Contributions.

The proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage will be adjacent to the Town Centre Gardens on St George’s Way. It will be located on the car park between Bowes Lyon House and the existing Swimming Centre.

No. Bowes Lyon House and the skatepark are not being demolished to make way for the new facility. They will remain as they are and will continue to be managed by Hertfordshire County Council.

The new Sports & Leisure Centre will incorporate facilities including swimming, activity studios, gym, a sports hall, and flexible sports and leisure facilities with a wide range of services and activities on offer. The venue will encompass more than just sports, becoming a place for leisure, and an additional focal point for the town. The proposals include soft play and the inclusion of a café which will be accessible to people using the Town Centre Gardens.

The proposals include soft play and the addition of a café which can be enjoyed by all with access and views of the Town Centre Gardens.

No. The proposed new facility is focused on bringing together the sports and swimming facilities currently provided at Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, and Stevenage Swimming Centre. The theatre will not be moving to the new facility and will continue to operate as normal during the development and after the delivery of the new Sports & Leisure Centre.

There is still a long way to go before construction starts. There will be further engagement with the local community, submission of a planning application, and then the scheme will need to be granted planning permission. When timings are clearer, we will inform the local community, although we hope to have the new building operational by the end of 2027.

The council’s leisure operator Everyone Active will explore opportunities with the council for a resident discount scheme and other concessions. There is already a concession pricing structure in place for key activities which will be continued.

We don’t expect prices to rise as a direct result of the new facility.

The building will be built to modern, legal and best practice standards and specifications, including being fully accessible with a wide range of options and services which allow everyone to participate in health, wellbeing, sports and leisure activities.

Yes, the new facility will enable everyone within our community to use the facility and will include, for example, specialist equipment such as Pool Pods to help people in wheelchairs and with mobility problems to easily access the pool.

The new leisure facility will be managed by Everyone Active, a specialist leisure operator who already run services in the town. Everyone Active manage over 200 leisure facilities in the UK and work with over 60 local authorities.

The new facility will make efficient use of space, and with three floors the facility will provide a larger wet-use area than the current provision, with more and larger studio spaces and a larger gym than at present.

Town Centre Gardens will remain open for local residents during construction of the new facility, and assessments will be carried out before and during the works period to assess any potential risks to Town Centre Gardens’ wildlife and biodiversity. Stevenage Borough Council is committed to preserving and enhancing green areas and parks in and around the town centre for local people to enjoy. This includes protecting nature and wildlife.

The building will not encroach into the main Town Centre Gardens. The design will look to incorporate the ground floor café into the Stevenage Centre Park, providing an al fresco offer. The council is also committed to re-providing any lost green space and will enhance the offer.

We encourage local communities to embrace active travel and utilise our 45km of cycleways and pedestrian routes where possible. A key part of the wider transformation of the town is looking at connectivity and access routes throughout the main areas of the town centre, including to the new leisure facility. There will be a new pedestrian crossing across St George’s Way as part of approved plans for The Forum, which will be in place before the new facility opens.

Public transport and the locations of bus stops falls under the jurisdiction of Hertfordshire County Council, so this will be for them to determine. The county council will be a statutory consultee for the application so they will also share their feedback before it is determined.

There will be drop off and pick up points, and some parking on site. Blue badge spaces, cycle parking and coach drop off points will be included.

The majority of leisure, sport, health and wellbeing services will be transferred to the new and enhanced by improved facilities and additional services.

No, the existing services will continue to be provided by Everyone Active in their present locations until the new facility is open and fully operational.

No, however we will be increasing the size from six lanes to 10 lanes and the pool will have a moveable floor. It is an Olympic sized short course pool at 25 metres long.

No, there will however be diving blocks for use in galas. Diving is a specialist activity and requires a lot of investment that is not affordable for a community based facility and as a result diving facilities are limited to key facilities in England. The nearest venues for diving boards are in Hatfield and Luton.

There will be a fun filled water play area for our younger users, available for use all year round.

The council is committed to continue working alongside the local community on a facility that will offer something for everyone, there will be another opportunity in the new year.

The council is committed to working alongside local communities in the development of this new facility to ensure that it will be a facility that everyone can use and be proud of. The feedback we receive will be used to further shape the look and feel of the facility which will then be subject to planning permission.