Spelthorne Leisure Centre dives into Passivhaus depth

The UK is set to gain not one but two Passivhaus leisure centres. St Sidwell’s Point in Exeter is currently well underway with expected completion imminent – Surrey’s Spelthorne Leisure centre won planning permission at the end of June 2021.

Spelthorne Leisure Centre

Located in the Knowle Green area of Staines, the proposal was the subject of public consultation in spring 2020 and received positive feedback. The development will include:

25-metre eight lane swimming pool with micro filtration technology and spectator seating
20-metre by 10-meter learner pool and a splash pad
sauna and steam room
2 dedicated group changing room, 4 family changing rooms and post & pre swim showers
a 6-court sports hall, 3 squash courts, one with movable walls allowing potential for two additional badminton courts
200-station fitness suite with dedicated free weights and warm up area
one spin studio, housing 25 people and two multi-purpose studios (capacity of 30) with views across Staines Park
extensive bike storage and a 300-space car park
a flagship roof top design with artificial 3G football pitches, a much-needed facility in the Borough

As part of Spelthorne's commitment to become a carbon neutral council, the planned new leisure centre would be the second in the UK to be designed and built to fully meet Passivhaus standard, and the first wet and dry sports leisure centre aiming for certification in the world. PHT member Gale & Snowden estimate that the building would use up to 60 - 70% less energy than traditional new build leisure centres. The £30 million project is expected to start early 2022, with completion due in 2024.

Spelthorne Leisure Centre: 25m swimming pool with eight lanes, micro filtration and spectator seating. Image: Spelthorne Borough Council

I am very excited that this important project has been approved to proceed to the next stage. This is going to be a fantastic hub for all the community, offering a great range of sports facilities and activities for everyone to enjoy. I am sure it will make a huge difference in encouraging residents to maintain healthy lifestyles. I look forward to seeing the plans take shape.

Cllr Sandra Dunn, Chairman of Spelthorne Borough Council's Community Wellbeing Committee

Spelthorne Leisure Centre

The building has been designed to be optimised for health with the use of natural materials and innovative technologies such as micro filtration providing drinking quality water for the swimming pools. To be developing such a ground-breaking leisure centre alongside GT3 is very exciting, and we’re looking forward to seeing the project under construction later this year.

David Gale, Director, Gale and Snowden Architects

Would you like to work on developments like this? PHT member Gale & Snowden are currently recruiting for Passivhaus focused designers, architects & M&E engineers.