Central Bedfordshire Council has appointed Morgan Sindall Construction to build a new community and leisure centre on the Kingsland Campus in Houghton Regis with construction expected to start in February 2023 and the new centre opening in Autumn 2024. 

The project benefits from a £20million Government Levelling Up Fund grant and will offer residents a range of high-quality, modern sports facilities and community amenities.  

Located on the site of the former Houghton Regis Academy school, the new two-storey centre will include an eight-lane, 25-metre community swimming pool, which is more than double the size of the pool at the existing Houghton Regis Leisure Centre. To enhance the swimming experience, there will be a learner pool with a movable floor to raise or lower the depth for swimming lessons, and a separate splash pool for very young children to gain confidence in the water.    

A substantial, state-of-the-art fitness suite, with twice the number of fitness stations than at the existing centre, two squash courts, a dedicated spinning bikes studio and multi-use exercise studios, will provide spaces for a range of different classes and activities.  

To complement the sports facilities, the building will have a spacious foyer and reception area, with a large café open for centre users and the public, community spaces, a creche and Changing Places facilities for disabled visitors.  

Extensive landscaped areas surrounding the centre will also feature a children’s play area and a fitness trail set amongst the green space.  

A large car park will include electric vehicle charging points, motorcycle parking, accessible parking bays and cycle parking. Improved walking and cycling routes will connect the building to other parts of the Kingsland Campus and the wider community.  

Cllr Tracey Stock, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing and Communities, said: “We are looking forward to working with Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver this exciting new community and leisure centre for Houghton Regis.  

“The new centre will complement the wider plans helping to transform the area and will provide residents with an asset they can use and enjoy.  

“We are committed to providing residents across Central Bedfordshire with the best possible leisure facilities as we know the vital role they play in encouraging people to benefit from a healthier lifestyle.”  

David Rowsell, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said: “Post-pandemic, leisure centres across the country have played a key role in bringing communities back together and engaging people in healthy lifestyles that will improve their overall wellbeing.    

“The new centre will be a great example of how to deliver a state-of-the-art leisure space that not only fulfils the needs of the local council and residents, but which does so in a timely, sustainable manner.    

"We are looking forward to working with Central Bedfordshire Council and our local delivery partners in the construction of this exciting new development.”  

The existing Houghton Regis Leisure Centre will remain open until the new centre is complete to ensure residents have continuous access to leisure provision.  
  
Further information is available at: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/kingsland