Works to begin on new Stevenage Sports & Leisure Centre

12 MARCH 2026

A new Sports & Leisure Centre is being built in Stevenage on St Georges Way. The main construction works on the new centre will be beginning in April 2026.

In order to commence works, the Stevenage Swimming Centre Car Park will be closed from Sunday 12 April, when the Swimming Centre closes at the end of the day. Hoarding will be placed around the existing car park, but access to the Swimming Centre through reception will remain unaffected.

There will be no vehicle access on site for the duration of the works, and the new car park is expected to reopen in 2028, after the new facility opens.

It is recommended that users should park at St George’s Way Multi-Story Car Park (SG1 1EP) or The Forum Car Park (SG1 1ES) during this closure. Blue badge holders can park in either car park.  Parking will be re-provided free to users of the Swimming Centre in these car parks for up to two hours and pool users will validate their parking using a tablet on the reception desk, similar to the current system at Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “This new facility for Stevenage is a key part of the wider transformation of the town centre, supporting the communities and businesses of Stevenage. The existing sports, health, and wellbeing services provided within Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre and Stevenage Swimming Centre are well used, and whilst we understand that the closure of the car park is frustrating, this is necessary to allow us to future proof these services by replacing them with brand new facilities in the new building”.

The new facility combines the sports facilities currently located at the Arts & Leisure Centre and Stevenage Swimming Centre. They will be re-provided in a new state of the art building with a wide range of innovative and exciting services and activities, promoting healthy living and wellbeing for residents. The new facility will have a 25-metre, 10-lane swimming pool, a teaching pool, splash pad, soft-play, a six-court sports hall, fitness suite, multi-purpose studios and a café that can be accessed from the Town Centre Gardens.

Cllr Simon Speller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, added: “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 the town will not only have a much better, high-quality facility on one site, but also a highly improved customer experience with a more efficient use of space”.

The project is being partially funded through the Government’s Towns Fund. The Stevenage Development Board secured £37.5m in March 2021, and a proportion of this will be used for this new facility.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, commented: “We are delighted that we are starting to build our fabulous new Sports & Leisure Centre in the town and we will keep our existing facilities in use while we create our fabulous new ones. This will create some inconveniences for which we apologise but the long term benefits of the new facilities will be well worth the wait.

“This project is a major feature of our Towns Fund allocation and will certainly feature strongly in the bold regeneration of our wonderful town as we continue to make Stevenage Even Better!”

Morgan Sindall Construction, who have extensive experience of building leisure facilities, have been appointed to help deliver the Sports & Leisure Centre. The upgraded facility will be managed by Everyone Active, a specialist leisure operator who operate the council’s leisure facilities within the town. Everyone Active will be liaising with their members, including schools and clubs who use the facilities, in advance of the closure to confirm parking arrangements.

Emma Curtis, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have begun the construction of the new Stevenage Leisure Centre. This project plays a vital role in the transformation of Stevenage, and we’re delighted to be a part of it”.

Allan Prescott, Everyone Active Contract Manager, said: “The new Sports & Leisure Centre will be a fantastic addition for the town and we’re proud to be working with Stevenage Borough Council to support its delivery. We understand that the temporary closure of the car park may be frustrating for some customers, and we appreciate their patience while this important project progresses. Our priority is to keep Stevenage Swimming Centre open and accessible, and we’ll continue working closely with our members, clubs and schools to support them throughout the construction period.”

Further information can be found by visiting the website Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver Stevenage Sports & Leisure Centre | Morgan Sindall Construction, and a series of Frequently Asked Questions are listed below.

Q: How do I access the Swimming Centre?

Access to the Swimming Centre will remain unchanged and is through the main doors.

Q: Why is the existing car park going to be closed?

To ensure the safety of all Stevenage Swimming Centre users during the construction of the new facility, there will be no parking onsite for the duration of construction works.  The car park between the Swimming Centre and Bowes Lyon Centre is the location of the new facility where construction will be taking place, whilst the other car park will be used as a compound during construction.

The car park will be closed from the end of the day on Sunday 12 April. It will remain closed for the duration of the works and parking will resume when the facility opens in Spring 2028.

Q: The closure is an inconvenience. Was there no alternative?

The closure of the car park allows the existing Swimming Centre to remain open whilst the new facility is built. The other option was to close the existing Swimming Centre for two years which was not acceptable given its popularity and high levels of usage for both lessons and fun swimming.

Q:  Where should I park?

It is recommended to park at St George’s Way Multi-Storey Car Park (SG1 1EP) or The Forum Car Park (SG1 1ES) during this closure.

Q: Will parking be free for users of Stevenage Swimming Centre?

Parking will be re-provided free to users of the Swimming Centre for up to two hours. Users will need enter their vehicle registration number at the reception desk, which will allow up to two hours free parking similar to the current system that is in use.

Q: I have a blue badge. Where should I park?

Parking for blue badge holders is available within both St George’s Way Multi-Storey Car Park and The Forum Car Park. Additionally, an agreement has been reached with the neighbouring Bowes Lyon to allow their parking facility to be used for drop-off and pick-up for those with the highest accessibility needs.

Q: What about the new crossing over St Georges Way?

A pedestrian crossing is due to be installed across St Georges Way to provide a safe and easy crossing from The Forum Car Park to the existing and new facility. This is a complex process which requires the support of various partners, including the County Council. Securing the remaining permissions is in the final stages and work is due to commence in early May. It will take approximately eight weeks to complete.

Q: Has there been any consultation around this?

Engagement with the local community and users of the Swimming Centre started in November 2023 when proposals for the new Sports & Leisure Centre were first made public. Engagement, including with the clubs using the pool, was ongoing throughout the planning process and has continued until this point, and will continue throughout the construction period.

The team has spoken to swimming clubs who use the Swimming Centre about the appropriate options and mitigation measures.

Additionally, the team has engaged with representatives from invis-Ability to evaluate the proposed alternative routes for those with accessibility needs.

Q: Are the alternative car parks safe?

St George’s Way Multi-Storey Car Park has recently undergone some upgrades and is well lit with CCTV coverage on each floor, including in the stairwells. The Forum car park, located opposite the Swimming Centre, is a surface level car park and can be accessed by a well-lit pedestrian path and underpasses leading to Stevenage Swimming Centre. A new pedestrian crossing across the carriageway is also due to be opened in early summer.

Walking routes from the alternative car parks will have directional signage stencilled on to the floor to the Swimming Centre.

Q:  What about club and school coach drop-offs and pick-ups?

A temporary drop-off and pick-up area for coaches has been arranged on Cuttys Lane, developed in conjunction with Everyone Active. Everyone Active will liaise directly with the clubs and schools that use Stevenage Swimming Centre to ensure that they are aware of the new arrangements and the most appropriate walking route to the facility.

This is a temporary arrangement that will be in place for the construction period. A new coach drop off and pick up area is included as part of the new facility.

Q: Have clubs that use the pool been informed?

Yes, Everyone Active and the council are liaising with clubs that use the Swimming Centre.

Q: Where is the nearest bus stop?

The closest bus stops are along Fairlands Way (near Silam Road) and by Aldi. There is an additional bus stop on Cuttys Lane.

Q:  Where can I park my bicycle?

Existing cycle hoops are located by the Forum Car Park.

Q: What were the works that happened earlier this year?

The works that took place to the exterior of Stevenage Swimming Centre involved the construction of a new electrical substation and associated preparation.

Improvements to Market Square to begin in the Summer

As part of a series of public realm improvement works will begin later this year on Market Square in Stevenage town centre.

The council is making changes to Market Square to make this area more attractive, safer for pedestrians who use this route, and offer greater visibility to the entrances of the Market and St George’s Car Park.

The council will be installing a new and improved footpath with a raised pedestrian crossing, improved lighting and introducing greenery, which will improve and brighten the area, creating a safer and visually improved crossing, whilst still providing designated loading bays for businesses who require deliveries and collections. Pedestrian safety is a priority and these works will create easy pedestrian movement and aid those with mobility issues. Two loading bays will be relocated, and there will be no loss of blue badge parking.

In addition, and in keeping with underpass artworks already displayed or underway within the town, two large scale urban artworks will be introduced to add colour and vibrancy to the area. Hertfordshire based artists MurWalls are working on designs to reflect the area.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “This area is frequently used by pedestrians, including those visiting our much loved Indoor Market.  The space needs an upgrade, and by delivering these changes, we are ensuring that it remains safe, more easily accessible and ties into the fabric of the surrounding areas with bright, colourful artworks. We have worked closely with surrounding businesses, including within the Indoor Market, and will continue to work in collaboration whilst these works are delivered”.

The project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “The Stevenage Development Board with its successful Towns Fund bid is working to strategically improve facilities for the public and businesses in the town and ensuring that the Government funding is fully utilised in the most appropriate areas to provide maximum benefit for all parties.”

Park Mark Plus awarded to Stevenage Railway North car park

Stevenage Borough Council once again demonstrates the highest standards across its parking operations as its new Railway Station North car park has been awarded the Park Mark Plus award, the first car park in Hertfordshire to receive this.

Park Mark Plus is a comprehensive assessment demonstrating the highest quality of today’s modern car parks in services, operations, design and build.  To achieve the award, car parks must demonstrate a wide range of responsibilities.

Building on the well-regarded Safer Parking Scheme’s Park Mark award, Park Mark Plus recognises only the highest quality car parks. The Railway North car park in Stevenage opened in May 2023.  Adjacent to Stevenage Railway Station, the car park provides 622 spaces, an increase from the previous car park that had 339 spaces. There are 30 blue badge spaces, as well as 30 spaces that are available for electric vehicle charging. There is CCTV in the building and cashless pay machines. There is secure storage for 80 bicycles in a dedicated, covered space adjacent to the car park. The car park built by contractor Huber has no columns, which greatly aids vehicle movements.

The award of Park Mark Plus demonstrates that its facility provides police-approved accredited parking, and has reached the standards of the Disabled Parking Accreditation and a range of environmental, structural, operational and customer services criteria. This is a fantastic achievement and recognises that Stevenage Borough Council has parking facilities with measures in place that actively deter crime and the fear of crime in car parks.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “We strive for excellence in all projects that we deliver and being awarded the Park Mark Plus accreditation is a testament to the fantastic team who helped to deliver this facility. Our transport infrastructure needs to be modern and meet the needs of the consumers of today, and the car park certainly achieves this. It is a real honour to be the first car park in Hertfordshire to have achieved this accreditation and my thanks go to everyone who made this possible”.

The car park received funding from the Government’s Towns Fund. Stevenage Development Board secured £37.5m, the second joint highest bid in the country. £1.1m was contributed as part of the multi-million-pound Growth Deal funding secured by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for Stevenage regeneration.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Hertfordshire LEP and Stevenage Development Board, said: “Stevenage Development Board brings together diverse stakeholders to take forward a clear vision for the town. We want our town to be a top destination to live, work and visit. This car park, together with the new bus interchange and improved sustainable transport links, acts as a central gateway to our STEM city, widening opportunities and access for all. We are delighted to receive this award.”

Cllr Lloyd Briscoe, Executive Member for Economy and Transport at Stevenage Borough Council, said, “Stevenage town centre is being transformed and a key part of this is making our town centre accessible and linking different modes of transport. This accreditation recognises the standards that are included within the car park to make it safe, accessible, and well maintained for our residents, communities, businesses, and visitors.”

Chief Inspector Graeme Walsingham said, “The regeneration of the town is an exciting project and has our full support. We will continue working with our local partners to help keep the area a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Mark Montgomery, Crime Prevention Design Officer/Designing Out Crime Officer, Hertfordshire Constabulary said, “It is a pleasure to work with Stevenage Borough Council on their regeneration projects and I am especially pleased to see that not only did they achieve The Safer Parking Park Mark award, they have also won the distinction of achieving the first Park Mark Plus award within Hertfordshire. Another first for Stevenage.”

Antony Powell, BPA Area Manager said, “Many congratulations to Stevenage Borough Council in gaining Park Mark Plus accreditation for the new Railway Station North multi-storey car park. Everyone involved in the design, construction, management and operation of this excellent facility should be proud of this achievement.”

For more information visit www.britishparking.co.uk/Park-Mark-Plus

To find Park Mark awarded car parks visit www.parkmark.co.uk

 Photo left to right:

  • Chief Inspector Graeme Walsingham, Hertfordshire Constabulary
  • Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council
  • Cllr Lloyd Briscoe, Executive Member for Economy and Transport at Stevenage Borough Council
  • Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Hertfordshire LEP and Chair of the Stevenage Development Board
  • Mayor of Stevenage, Cllr Myla Arceno
  • Inspector Nick Redfearn, Hertfordshire Constabulary
Hertfordshire is powering the UK’s future

Hertfordshire LEP together with the University of Hertfordshire supports the University Alliance’s Powering the UK’s Future campaign. This will further amplify the role higher education plays by working hand in hand with other organisations to drive future prospects and prosperity.

“Here in Hertfordshire we have solid foundations for growth with the University of Hertfordshire, four high-performing FE colleges and a strong legacy of partnership working to deliver skills and employment opportunities. Together we are united by one common purpose: to unlock potential and widen access for all, encouraging social mobility and demonstrating that all aspects of the skills agenda, i.e. apprenticeships and traineeships are valued options. Our ‘ground-up’ approach, rooted in local knowledge and tied to our communities, will be the bedrock of our national recovery. Hertfordshire LEP together with the University of Hertfordshire supports the University Alliance’s Powering the UK’s future campaign. This will further amplify the role higher education plays by working hand in hand with other organisations to drive future prospects and prosperity.

Powering businesses and growth

“Skills are the common currency that powers our economy and are a dynamic driver of enterprise, investment and new industry. This link between education and industry is vital to ensure that we are creating the right skills for our key sectors and championing innovation and entrepreneurship. Hertfordshire Growth Hub, the county’s flagship business support provider, is powered by Hertfordshire LEP and part delivered by the University of Hertfordshire.

“Over the past year, the role of Growth Hubs has been strengthened nationally to meet the huge increased need for business support during COVID-19. Hertfordshire LEP in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Growth Hub devised the Volunteer Business Support Scheme, a free and confidential 1-2-1 mentoring programme. The scheme launched in June 2020 and through its network of experienced mentors it has supported more than 190 businesses, providing over 600 hours of 1-2-1 support. Due to its success and excellent feedback, it has now been extended until November. The national Peer Networks Programme, delivered locally by Hertfordshire Growth Hub consortium partner, the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, gives SMEs an opportunity to network with fellow businesses, collaborate to find solutions to common issues, and access expert business advice and support.

“In December, the University of Hertfordshire opened its new £12m Enterprise Hub at its de Havilland campus in Hatfield, with a £2.5m Local Growth Fund investment from Hertfordshire LEP. The Hub will significantly enhance and expand existing support available to businesses in the region by providing flexible business incubation, office space, teaching and social areas under one roof, to facilitate greater collaboration between students, academics and the business community.

Powering people and jobs

“A new report from The Prince’s Trust and the Learning and Work Institute, supported by HSBC UK, warns that youth unemployment will remain high after other areas of the economy begin to recover, costing the UK economy almost £7 billion next year.

“Our Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships campaign, supported by a broad coalition of HE, FE, apprenticeship providers, schools, employers and other stakeholders, sends out a very clear message that apprenticeships are valued and viable career path options. In so doing it will help to:

  • Deliver a diverse resident workforce fit for the future;
  • Raise the skills and productivity levels of those already in work;
  • Showcase the resilience of apprentices and employers during COVID-19.

“Here in Hertfordshire we are very fortunate to have the Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP), masterminded by the Hertfordshire LEP’s Skills and Employment Board, which connects employers with future skills pipelines. Residents can access the information they need to make informed decisions on career path options including Further Education, Higher Education, professional qualifications, work experience and job opportunities; employers can reach and recruit their future talent and upskill and provide progression opportunities for existing staff. Up and down the country, every LEP Board has HE and FE representation and our Careers and Enterprise Company Enterprise Adviser Network convenes local expertise to align with schools and colleges to help shape courses, ensuring the right skills for the right jobs.

Powering communities

“Universities also have a critical role to play in the future of places and delivering the Government’s Plan for Growth. Our plans for levelling up opportunities in Stevenage (see Stevenage Development Board plans here) are greatly enhanced by the University of Hertfordshire’s presence and our four FE colleges. Following our successful bid, Stevenage was awarded £37.5m from the Government’s Towns Fund, a £3.6 billion fund used to help deliver the government’s plan to level up our regions by using different indicators of need and deprivation. This funding will help to enhance STEM skills facilities with the support of North Herts College and the University of Hertfordshire, unlocking future growth in our world-leading key sector industries, such as life sciences and advanced manufacturing, and providing real, high-value opportunities for local people.

“Our combined efforts to deliver a ‘workforce for tomorrow’ (Planning for the Future: Hertfordshire Local Skills Report, 2021) across Hertfordshire and our neighbouring counties will be greatly enhanced by the University Alliance’s policies to power the UK’s future. This campaign will create a broader understanding of the nation’s skills needs with a greater focus on excellent delivery to power a national economic, social and cultural recovery from COVID-19. It will present real benefits and opportunities to students and local employers and speak with ‘one voice’ to Government. We fully support and encourage this initiative to help power the UK and Hertfordshire’s future.”

 

University of Hertfordshire – https://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/news-centre/news/2021/hertfordshire-is-powering-the-uks-future