Stevenage Heart Trails are launched to highlight art across the town

25 MARCH 2026

The Stevenage Heart Trails have officially launched! Spanning over 27 miles of traffic-free travel to allow the exploration and discovery of art and heritage across the different communities of Stevenage, the various routes highlight historic and new art.

The suggested routes, and the artwork they include, can be viewed online: Heart Trails – Stevenage Even Better. Over the coming weeks, each piece of artwork will have a plaque installed to share its history.

Cllr Simon Speller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Art brings joy to our everyday lives. It allows us to express how we feel, celebrate where we live and take pride in place. As a town with a wealth of history and heritage, immortalising this in artworks throughout Stevenage allows everyone to learn and enjoy. As the weather starts to improve, we encourage people to utilise these trails to enjoy being outdoors and celebrating all that is great about the town”.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, added: “The regeneration of the town centre isn’t just about bricks and mortar. Alongside delivering new infrastructure, we are enhancing and celebrating the great things we already have as a town that make us unique. This includes the huge amount of artwork across the borough that we hope will be enjoyed and understood by everyone. With the support of the Stevenage Development Board through the Towns Fund, we are opening this up to be explored and appreciated by our current and future residents and communities”.

Stacked Stories, the mosaic sculpture at the Stevenage Bus Interchange by artist Donna Reeves, marks the first piece of new public artwork commissioned for the trail.

Artist Donna Reeves adds: “I’m incredibly proud to have created this community artwork for the Stevenage Bus Interchange. It is a town that holds deep personal significance for me and my family. Reconnecting with the town through art has meant a great deal to me. I’d like to extend my thanks to Stevenage Borough Council, Junction 7 Creatives, my team and Stevenage community for their support and enthusiasm throughout the project. This mosaic sculpture is a celebration of the power of art to bring people together, and I’ve loved every moment of making it”.

The Heart Trails have been funded by government’s Towns Fund through the Stevenage Development Board.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board said: “I am delighted to celebrate the launch of the Stevenage Heart Trails. A key part of the work of The Stevenage Development Board is making sure that everyone is proud of where they live and where they come from. Artworks are an essential part of this, adding colour and vibrancy to celebrate everything that is great about Stevenage.

“Working in collaboration with both the borough and county council, our recently completed programme of underpass artworks has proven incredibly popular with the local community. The Heart Trails are an extension of this, commemorating the heritage the town has whilst mirroring this in new, modern artworks.

“The project has been funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021. The Board has channelled funding for projects in the town into several key areas such as the healthy enjoyment of our facilities and improving cycling and pedestrian connectivity.

“I look forward to seeing the remaining artworks and signage installed for everyone to enjoy!”

The programme of underpass improvements and urban artworks recently delivered were a partnership between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council. The Heart Trails have the full support of the county council and have been delivered collaboratively.

Mark Doran, Executive Director of Growth and Environment at Hertfordshire County Council said: “Projects like the Stevenage Heart Trails show how we can connect people with their local environment in new and engaging ways. By linking high-quality public art with accessible, traffic-free routes, we’re creating spaces that encourage people to walk, wheel, cycle, or take the bus and explore their communities.

“This collaborative programme not only celebrates Stevenage’s identity and heritage, but also supports healthier, more sustainable travel choices. It’s a great example of partners working together to deliver improvements that enhance everyday journeys and help make our places more vibrant and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.”

 

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.

North Hertfordshire College Engineering & Construction Campus moving to Stevenage Town Centre

17 FEBRUARY 2026

North Hertfordshire College Engineering & Construction Campus moving to Stevenage Town Centre

Works are underway to repurpose the former Stevenage Indoor Market into a new Town Centre Campus for North Hertfordshire College. The new 3600 sq m site will replace the current Engineering and Construction campus located at Fulton Close.

The new campus, which is being funded by national government’s Towns Fund through the Stevenage Development Board, will provide a dedicated study space for students, apprentices, and adult learners to develop their skills and learn their trades. Featuring dedicated bays for motor vehicle and construction trades, this purpose-built space will ensure students learn the skills for current and future construction sector needs.

The adjacent multi-storey car park on St George’s Way is remaining and does not form part of the scheme.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Transport, comments: “The relocation of students into this brand new campus ensures that key trades continue to be taught in Stevenage. By investing in spaces such as this, learners of all ages will gain the skills and qualifications needed to support the town’s industries.  And having a lot more people in the town centre every day supports our local economy and helps our town centre to thrive”.

The works are being carried out by contractor RG Carter and are expected to be completed by Summer 2026.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, adds: “The transformation of this space forms part of the wider regeneration of the town centre and forms a key part of diversifying its uses. The continuing evolution of the town centre presents opportunities for our communities and businesses and builds on the changes that have already been delivered. By working in collaboration with our partners, we are strengthening the town centre for this and future generations”.

Kit Davies, Principal and CEO of North Hertfordshire College says: “All of us at NHC are incredibly excited to move into the new Town Centre Campus. We’re grateful for the opportunity to invest further in our students’ development, which will secure the delivery of essential skills within this priority sector. Not only will this contribute to bridging skills gaps in Hertfordshire, but will also support the trade skills pipeline locally and regionally. Being based in the town centre, our students will have access to the fantastic array of local businesses and will strengthen our relationships with the local Stevenage community. We hope this new site will not only help us generate the future construction and motor vehicle workforce but boost the local economy.”

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board and the Hertfordshire Futures Main Board and Skills Board, said: “I am truly delighted to see that North Herts College are taking a further step forward in bringing their facilities closer to the heart of our Town following the development of SITEC Phase 1 for Life Sciences and truly looking forward to the launch of SITEC Phase 2 for Advanced Manufacturing in the Town.

“These amendments encourage a greater use of the Towns facilities and a fabulous alternative use of our Market facilities now moved to an area with far greater access. The amendments and combinations create a 21st century use of the Towns new facilities.”

You can find out more at https://www.nhc.ac.uk/discover/our-campuses/town-centre-campus/.

Claxton House reaches new heights with topping out ceremony

26 JANUARY 2026

Representatives from Stevenage Borough Council, Mace and Gilbert Ash have come together to mark Claxton House reaching its highest point with a topping out ceremony at the town centre site in Stevenage.

Claxton House, formerly known as Swingate House, is named after Eric Claxton, who played a key role in the creation of Stevenage New Town as a member of the Stevenage Development Corporation. At ten storeys high, the site will deliver 261 new homes and a ground floor commercial unit, providing much needed new homes within the town.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “This milestone reiterates a clear commitment from both the council and our partners in the ongoing transformation of the town. This is a key part of the next stage of the town centre regeneration story to continue to deliver a thriving town for people to live, work and visit. We are proud of how Stevenage is evolving and look forward to the next phases of the wider SG1 masterplan beginning”.

The development forms part of the wider SG1 masterplan for Stevenage Town Centre, which in its entirety will deliver new homes, jobs, office and retail space, alongside new public spaces.

The site is being brought forward by Mace, in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council.

Mark Reynolds, Mace Group Executive Chair, says: “The delivery of these high quality, safe and sustainable new homes mark a meaningful step in shaping the new town centre that people are proud to call home. Their delivery demonstrates the strength of our long-term partnership with Stevenage Borough Council and the shared ambition that is driving genuine regeneration across the town.

“As these homes come to market, we remain focused on the wider programme that will create new opportunities for residents and businesses while supporting the continued transformation of Stevenage for years to come.”

Damien McKenna, Contracts Manager at Gilbert Ash, added: “This Topping Out ceremony is a momentous milestone for Gilbert-Ash and all parties involve, and one which celebrates the team’s involvement in developing the structure to this stage.

“This accomplishment is the result of seamless collaboration across design, delivery, and quality, supported by a highly skilled workforce and a management team dedicated to excellence.

“This milestone underscores our shared vision and determination to deliver outstanding results for stakeholders and the wider Stevenage community.”

Part of the early works were funded through the multi-million-pound Growth Deal funding secured by Hertfordshire Futures (formerly LEP) for Stevenage regeneration.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Hertfordshire Futures and Chair of Stevenage Development Board, added: “I am delighted to see that one of our Mace projects related to our first SG1 regeneration projects area in the town is now starting to take shape. As Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, it is great to see so many projects now physically taking place and hopefully this is further confirmation to our residents and businesses that Stevenage is evolving into the 21st century. We are committed to many exciting changes during our regeneration programme and Claxton House has progressed extremely well this past 12 months”.

New public artwork unveiled at Stevenage Bus Interchange

WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2025

A new, permanent piece of public artwork has been unveiled at the Stevenage Bus Interchange. Featuring stories and memories from the local community, including what brought people to Stevenage and their favourite things about the town, the mosaic sculpture is positioned directly in front of the entrance to the Bus Interchange.

Local artist Donna Reeves has been working with Junction 7 Creatives (J7C) to collate these stories.

Donna Reeves comments: “I have enjoyed creating this public mosaic sculpture as it reflects the ideas, stories, and personal memories of the Stevenage community, making it truly for the people. After 30 years of working in public art, this project feels especially personal, as I see it as a way of giving back to the town that welcomed my grandpa and family from London to Hertfordshire”.

This piece of artwork forms part of the Stevenage Heart Trails – 27 miles of traffic-free footpaths allow everyone to explore and discover hidden art and heritage across Stevenage. This commission is the first in a wider series of public art commissions to follow.

Cllr Simon Speller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, added: “Our communities and pioneers have helped to create the Stevenage we know and love today, and this is reflected in this sculpture. The memories and stories shared, and items embedded in the artwork, represent many pieces of history for the community to own and be proud of. Public art helps to shape our public spaces and this, and the commissions to follow, celebrate the heritage of the town and the people who built it”.

The commission forms part of the UK government’s Towns Fund grant to Stevenage, through the Stevenage Development Board. Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, commented: “The Stevenage Development Board were provided with a responsibility to assist with the regeneration of Stevenage which includes skills development, facility improvement, safer more pleasant environments, a responsibility for the Towns heritage as the FIRST New Town which includes encouraging our residents to consider what we own and to develop new pieces of art for everyone’s enjoyment. The Bus Interchange is always busy as our residents go about their day-to-day business and trips, and this has been a fabulous opportunity to create a wonderful new piece of artwork in this area which in time will become an even busier thoroughfare”.

You can find out more about Donna on her website: www.andbydonnareeves.com.

Stevenage underpass transformations

11 JULY 2025

A colourful new underpass art display has been unveiled in Stevenage showcasing the creativity of local schoolchildren.   ‘Colour in the Underpass’ features artworks from Stevenage school children.

In late 2024 Stevenage schools were invited to submit their colourful designs in a competition as part of a wider programme of underpass transformations throughout the town. The winning 268 entries from 19 schools are now displayed in the Martins Way/Hitchin Road roundabout underpass.

The unveiling event was attended by pupils from participating schools and representatives from Stevenage Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council and the Stevenage Development Board.

Councillor Simon Speller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “It’s wonderful to see the children’s colourful artworks in this latest underpass transformation – thank you everyone for entering the competition! The children should be very proud of their work. This new underpass transformation, alongside others already transformed, will be enjoyed by many pedestrians and cyclists and are key to championing the arts and cultural offering of the town.  Stevenage has so much history to be celebrated, so much community spirit and vibrancy, and I thank everyone who has made this underpass into the work of art it is today!”

The project has been funded by the Stevenage Development Board through the UK Government Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021. Part of the funding is allocated to improving cycling and pedestrian connectivity, and artworks to the underpasses and cycleways throughout the town are a key part of this.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added:  “The Stevenage Development Board has directed funding for projects in the town into several key areas such as the healthy enjoyment of our facilities and opportunities for skills improvements, alongside recognising our very important heritage as the First New Town. We are blessed with 44km of cycleways as the town has developed and using bikes is sustainable, cost effective, healthy and safe. Our recent links with schools to encourage them to support our cycleways project with students’ artwork is supporting and delivering our heritage further for the future. We are a community with a real opportunity to work together and this we are achieving by making our underpasses more interesting and safer for everyone to enjoy.”

This transformation would not have been possible without the participation of local schools.

Christina Anderson, Chair of the Stevenage Creative Network of schools commented: “It is wonderful to see the children’s creativity with colour in this latest underpass transformation. Creativity provides children with the opportunity to explore and communicate ideas – and the overall result is stunning. Having their artwork on display in the public domain supports a sense of belonging and pride in our town. I’m delighted that so many children took part in this fantastic opportunity.”

This underpass is the latest to be improved as part of a collaboration between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council, added: “This stunning artwork is a brilliant celebration of Stevenage’s young talent and a shining example of what can be achieved when we invest in local spaces and communities. By working as a team, we’re creating safer, more welcoming routes and places for people – and making our towns places to be proud of. Huge thanks to all the children, schools and partners involved – this really brings the underpass to life.”

Over the coming weeks, a further series of underpasses are due to be transformed:

📍 Martins Way/Hitchin Road Underpass (Wingwalls)

💬 Colour

🎨 @carlcashman

 

📍 Dewpond Close

💬 Remembrance

🎨 @itaewon_artist

 

📍 ICL

💬 Six Hill History

🎨 @ itaewon_artist

 

📍 Silam Road

💬 Sports, leisure and play

🎨 @mrchrista_

 

📍 Fairlands Way/Lytton Way East

💬 Women in Stevenage

🎨 @mollyhankinson.studio

 

📍 Fairlands Way/Lytton Way West

💬 Pride

🎨 @junction7creatives

 

📍 Fairlands Way/Lytton Way South West

💬 Cultural and ethnic diversity

🎨 @pacifico.designs and @murwalls

Tell us your thoughts on underpass artworks in Stevenage

17 MARCH 2025

Have you been enjoying the underpass artworks in Stevenage?

We are asking for your views on the artworks, so please do complete this survey to tell us what you think: https://forms.office.com/e/z9jKcSFETM.

As part of a collaboration between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council, and funded by the Stevenage Development Board through Towns Fund, underpasses have been transformed throughout the town. Seven designs have been completed, and there is more to come!

Designs from Stevenage school competition to feature in underpass

24 FEBRUARY 2025

In late 2024 Stevenage schools were invited to enter a competition to have their artwork displayed on the walls of a local underpass. Over 950 entries were received and the winning designs will transform the Gunnels Wood Road and Martins Way underpass.

Due to be unveiled in the spring, 268 artworks will be displayed.  Children were asked to select one of the town’s designated neighbourhood colours to create their designs.

A panel of judges, including Cllr Loraine Rossati, representatives from Junction 7 Creatives and the Stevenage Development Board, selected the winning entries from 19 schools including Almond Hill, Bedwell Primary, The Leys Primary and Nursery and Marriotts School. Every school who entered the competition will be represented as part of the overall design.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “We would like to thank all the young people for their amazing and colourful entries and for helping to make this competition such a success.  Seeing their artwork was inspirational and really opened our eyes to the amazing creativity of young people in Stevenage. Congratulations to everyone whose entry was chosen for the underpasses and we look forward to seeing their bright and bold artworks displayed.”

The underpass project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s towns fund of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021, and will be the latest artwork to be installed as part of a programme of underpass improvement works by Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “The development of our town is at the heart of our people and we are delighted that our desire to encourage the use of our cycleways and make them wonderful facilities to use and interesting to see, that our local schools have delivered some wonderful artwork ideas. This is our community engaging in creating our future presentation and regeneration of our town and is wonderful to see”.

Davinder Khangura, Headteacher of The Leys Primary and Nursery School and Chair of Stevenage Pupil Parliament, adds:  “The children thoroughly enjoyed designing artwork for the Stevenage underpasses, using different colours to bring their creative ideas to life. They were excited to express themselves through art and loved the challenge of entering the competition. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their talents and contribute to their community!”

Designs revealed for a new Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage: Have Your Say

THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2024

In late 2023 Stevenage Borough Council asked the public to share their views on what they would like from a proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre for the town. This will bring together sports, leisure and swimming facilities under one roof, whereas they are currently provided at Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, and Stevenage Swimming Centre.

The feedback we received from this survey has helped us to shape the new facility for the town and we have been working with Morgan Sindall and FaulknerBrowns Architects on the designs for the new building. Today we are pleased to share the initial designs for the building and the internal facilities, and we are asking local communities, residents and businesses to give their feedback as the designs take shape.

The proposals are available to view online via https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/have-your-say/proposed-new-sports-leisure-centre-have-your-say, or https://stevenage-even-better.com/sports-leisure-centre/, where there is also a feedback form to leave your views. A series of drop-in sessions will also be taking place, with members of the project team available to discuss the proposals:

  • Saturday 23 November, 12:00 – 16:30, Stevenage Town Square (Town Centre Gazebo)
  • Monday 25 November, 18:30 – 20:00, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre café
  • Wednesday 27 November, 12:30 – 14:30, 21 Town Square (former McDonalds Unit), Stevenage Town Square
  • Saturday 30 November, 10:30 – 12:30, Stevenage Swimming Centre

The closing date to share your views is Friday 6 December at 5pm.

The facility will encompass swimming, studios and gym space with flexible sports and leisure facilities, along with a café, soft play and interactive water play area in a modern building that champions sustainability and accessibility.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “A new Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage is really exciting. As a council that champions health and wellbeing, we understand the importance of modern, varied facilities that encourage and make sport and leisure accessible and fun for everyone. This is a fantastic opportunity to future proof these services by replacing them with brand new facilities, working with our communities as we look to deliver this new and upgraded offering for the town”.

The project will be 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: “The new Sports and Leisure Centre arrangements are gathering momentum and the preliminary concept and format for this wonderful facility is taking shape wonderfully in what will be an extremely modern facility which we will be truly proud to deliver. Our successful bid for the largest Towns Fund in the country has provided the necessary financial support to create a facility we will all be proud to deliver. Another amazing and successful project by the Stevenage Development Board delivered by Stevenage Borough Council”.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, said: “The feedback that we received from our survey last year gave us a real insight into what is important to local people. We have worked hard to take on board those views as we move through this process together, and today we encourage residents, businesses and visitors to have their say on the proposals.  This is a new space for Stevenage and by working collaboratively, we’ll have a centre that everyone can enjoy. Please do use this opportunity to give us your feedback”.

Morgan Sindall Construction, experts in building leisure facilities, have been appointed to help deliver the Sports & Leisure Hub whilst architect FaulknerBrowns are designing the facility. The upgraded services will be managed by Everyone Active, a specialist leisure operator who operate the council’s leisure facilities within the town.

Emma Curtis, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, commented: “With a wealth of leisure experience, Morgan Sindall understands the importance these facilities play in not just bringing communities together but in providing a strong health and wellbeing foundation for the next generation.

“The new Sports and Leisure Hub will not only be a new focal point for the town, it will encourage greater levels of participation in sport, delivering improvements to quality of life across Stevenage.

“We are very proud to be working alongside Stevenage Borough Council to deliver its transformational regeneration plans.”

Stephen McIntyre, Partner at FaulknerBrowns Architects, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Morgan Sindall and Stevenage Borough Council to help build the new Sports and Leisure Centre in Stevenage.   We look forward to developing a building design using our extensive experience of delivering sports and leisure projects to help create a community facility which actively promotes participation in sport. The new centre will be designed to serve the local community encouraging people to engage in a more active lifestyle enabling them to benefit from improved physical and mental health. The new facility compliments and reinforces the council’s ambitious regeneration plans and we are delighted to be part of the next architectural chapter of Stevenage.”

Allan Prescott, Everyone Active Contract Manager, said: “Everyone Active is looking forward to operating these new facilities that Stevenage Borough Council is providing for the community. Having sports, leisure and swimming all under one roof will create a more streamlined experience for local residents.”

Local schools invited to help design the next underpass artworks in Stevenage

Local schools invited to help design the next underpass artworks in Stevenage

Primary and secondary school pupils in Stevenage are invited to showcase their creative and design skills with bold colourful designs for a brand new urban design competition “Colour in the Underpass”.  Winning entries will feature in a large school urban artwork display in a Stevenage underpass to be unveiled in Spring 2025.

Pupils are invited to create bold designs in predominantly one colour shade.  The competition provides opportunities for local children to get involved with what’s happening in their town and learn more about Stevenage’s unique New Town history and unique pedestrian and cycle network.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “The urban artworks recently unveiled in the town highlight just some of the things that are great about Stevenage, from our much loved green spaces through to internationally renowned businesses. There are so many opportunities here for young people, and it has always been our vision to allow everyone to help to shape the future of the town. We are now asking for help from local schools in shaping the next underpass artworks in the town, based on bold, bright colours and designs. We look forward to seeing the entries!”.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Our public art projects are about making the town more vibrant, showcasing the talents of our local community and highlighting their contributions to Stevenage. Young people have so much to offer and we are so excited to be launching this competition to showcase a new set of artworks as part of this programme. We hope that projects like this will also encourage younger people and families to use our pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, not just for leisure but for walking and cycling to school too.”

The competition closes on Friday 15 November when entries will be judged by a panel of judges.

The underpass project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s towns fund of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021, and will be the latest artwork to be installed as part of a programme of underpass improvement works by Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “Involving the young people of Stevenage in framing their own future is a cornerstone of the regeneration project and it’s clear that these are the people who will shape what tomorrow looks like.

“Creating a competition in which schools are able to design the next underpass artwork using the theme of colour is the perfect way to include the next generation in town development.

“With our focus on STEM and the desire to make Stevenage a great place to live and work, it is my firm belief that engaging young people through education to choose how their home will look is the perfect outcome.

“I’m also delighted that we have chosen colour as our next subject matter and have given a clear nod to the original developers of the town who, among other remarkable acts of foresight, colour coded Stevenage and its areas for ease of access.”

For more information about the competition, please email regeneration@stevenage.gov.uk.