The plans – proposed Houghton Regis community and leisure centre consultation
Consultation closed: Wedneday, 16 February 2022
Consultation opened: Wednesday, 19 January 2022
We intend to provide facilities that residents want, which also offer value for money. We have designed the scheme by combining the recommendations of our Leisure Facilities Strategy with consideration of the new sports facilities included in the new Houstone School which residents will also have access to, via a community use agreement. This is a condition of the planning approval for the new school.
The joined-up approach has developed a package of facilities both developments can provide for the local community. The new Houstone school plans feature a modern sports hall, a fenced all-weather pitch (astroturf) and grass pitches / running track.
Location
The proposed site for the new centre is to the south of Sundon Road, at the junction with Parkside Drive.
Site layout
The proposals include car parking and connected cycleways and footpaths.
Design
The state-of-the-art community and leisure centre is set over two floors.
It 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, complete with spectator seating
- a 16-metre by 10-metre learner pool with a movable floor to raise or lower the depth for swimming lessons and other activities
- a separate, shallow pool, often called ‘confidence water’ and changing village completes a comprehensive swimming experience
- 2 squash courts
- a large, 151 station, fitness suite (gym)
- 2 multi-use studios for a range of classes and activities
- a spinning bike studio
- community space
- a spacious reception and foyer area creating a vibrant social hub
- Changing Places facilities on both floors
- a Pool Pod access system and Oxford Dipper hoist to provide access into the main pool and learner pool
- contrasting colours throughout to help visually impaired visitors
- a creche
- a café
- a children’s outdoor play zone
- an outdoor fitness trail to provide another opportunity for exercise
- enjoyable outside public areas and seating
- enhanced landscaping and planting
- improved walking and cycling routes linking to the new school and communities
- a 238-space car park, plus motorcycle parking, consisting of 199 standard bays, 24 electric vehicle charging bays, 13 accessible parking bays close to the entrance and 2 spaces for minibuses
- cycle parking, drop-off areas and good access to buses and public transport
- extensive lighting and CCTV to help make the site safe and secure
All of the plans will meet the latest industry standards and Sport England guidelines.