CR5Incorporate sustainability considerations into the new Leisure Centre

Progress

On time

Discussion
Not started
Initial scoping
Planning stage
Underway
Completed

This action focuses on the delivery of the new Stevenage Sports & Leisure Centre, a flagship project of the Town’s Fund regeneration. By consolidating the town’s aging and energy-intensive "wet" and "dry" facilities into a single, state-of-the-art centre, the Council will significantly reduce its carbon footprint. The centre is designed to be a model of sustainable construction, achieving high energy efficiency while providing inclusive, modern health and wellbeing services for the community.

The new Sports & Leisure Centre will replaces the current Stevenage Swimming Centre and Arts & Leisure Centre with an all-electric, low-carbon facility scheduled for completion in late 2027. Key sustainability features of this project include:

Fossil-Fuel Free Operation: The building will utilise renewable technologies, including Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) for heating and hot water, and Solar PV installation on the roof. The building will also natural ventilation to the main sports hall.
Energy-Efficient Design: Utilising high-performance glazing and a "fabric-first" approach to maximize natural light (reducing the need for artificial lighting) and high-efficiency LED systems throughout the pool and gym areas.
Water & Resource Management: The facility features a high-efficiency 10-lane pool and separate teaching pool m both with moveable floors and advanced management systems, which reduce heat loss.
Biodiversity Net Gain: The project is committed to a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, integrating the centre with the Town Centre Gardens through enhanced landscaping and the creation of new green corridors.
Sustainable Transport Hub: Located centrally to encourage active travel, the site will feature Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points, a combination of long term covered and short term cycle parking, a new pedestrian crossing and improved pedestrian links to the underpasses, town centre and railway station. Additionally a beryl bike bay will be installed.
Operational Excellence: In partnership with Everyone Active, the facility will utilise smart energy monitoring to optimise real-time energy.

Tasks

What has been done?

09/2025
Planning permission granted
Planning permission for the new Stevenage Sports & Leisure Centre was formally granted on Tuesday, 9 September 2025.
06/2025
Planning submission
The planning proposal for the new Stevenage Sports & Leisure Centre (reference 25/00424/FPM) was officially submitted in June 2025.
03/2025
Refined Plans & Final Consultation
Updated designs were released based on previous feedback. The Final Say Roadshow, in-person events were held across the town at Westgate Shopping Centre, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Stevenage Swimming Centre.
10/2024
Design Reveal & First Feedback
Following the appointment of FaulknerBrowns Architects, the first concept designs and CGIs were shared. The Major Projects Team held nine public events, speaking to nearly 1,000 people.

Timeline

11/2023 → 12/2027

Information updated 07/08/2026

Progress

Lead paragraph

Description

Tasks

What has been done?

Planning permission granted

Planning submission

Refined Plans & Final Consultation

Design Reveal & First Feedback

Summary and contacts

Timeline

Responsible organisations

Portfolio Holder

Strategic Themes

Engagement type