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Date posted: 04 November 2024

Council unveils design for new Cranleigh Leisure Centre

Following engagement and feedback from local residents, businesses and community groups, the design of the new leisure centre is ready. You can now view the planning application online

Image: visual of the new leisure centre in Cranleigh - GT3 Architects

The state of the art, ultra-low energy use leisure centre will offer a range of modern and sustainable facilities to enjoy for residents of Cranleigh and the surrounding villages, including:  

  • a six-lane swimming pool (25m)  

  • a teaching pool with moving floor 

  • dedicated spectator seating 

  • modern changing rooms 

  • a large gym with new equipment  

  • two multi-purpose exercise studios 

  • a spin studio with new indoor cycles 

  • a health studio 

  • a children’s soft play facility 

  • a café area, open for all 

The final designs have been shaped by feedback from more than 800 responses to an online survey, and two public engagement sessions, which were attended by more than 200 people earlier this year.  

Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Planning, Regeneration and Economic Development, Councillor Liz Townsend, said: 

“I want to thank everyone who has contributed their ideas and comments to this fantastic project. 

“The result is a great mix of facilities, given the various demands we have to balance, such as budget, sustainability, indoor facilities versus outdoor space for parking, as well as creating a future proof offer to support community health and wellbeing. 

“We have listened to your requests for more parking and have incorporated an increased amount of parking spaces from 235 in the initial proposal to 300 in the final design.” 

The new spacious bays are designed to modern standards, with a mix of accessible parking spaces close to the health centre, parent and child bays and Electric Vehicle charging points.    

Becoming a more sustainable borough  

A feasibility study conducted by the council in 2021, revealed the need to update the existing leisure centre in Cranleigh to make it fit for purpose for both the current and next generation of users. The budget for the new centre is £31.1m and was approved by Waverley Borough Councillors last year. 

The centre will be built to Passivhaus certification, offering a 60-70% reduction in carbon emissions and a corresponding decrease in energy demands. This will make a significant contribution to Waverley Borough Council’s commitment to become a carbon neutral council by 2030.  

From the ground up, the building has been designed to maximise the wellbeing of users, while its appearance is inspired by the heritage of Cranleigh, with red bricks on the upper part of the building and timber below. 

Paul Reed, Director at GT3 Architects, said: “As part of the design process we have looked, in detail, at the strong local vernacular and rural character of the local conservation area to ensure the design can respond to the local village. The final design provides a contemporary response to pitched roof context and prevalence of local brickwork. We have created welcoming and bright indoor spaces for a great variety of activities, and room to socialise, play and relax. 

“Designing and building to achieve the Passivhaus standards is very challenging, particularly for a leisure centre. The new highly sustainable leisure centre will be something for the community to be extremely proud of for many years to come”   

Next steps 

Waverley Borough Council aims to begin construction of the new leisure centre in summer 2025 and open by the end of 2026 or early 2027. This is subject to planning permission being granted. Residents will now be able to give feedback on the project via the formal planning application process.  

Click here to view and comment on the planning application

For more information about the project, including project history and Frequently Asked Questions, visit our project information website for the new leisure centre