Saunders Boston Architects is celebrating the official launches of two leisure centres in Barnet: New Barnet Leisure Centre and Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre. The Cambridge-based architecture practice, which specialises in leisure facility design, was appointed by Barnet London Borough Council to design the centres as part a commitment of over £44 million to improve health and wellbeing in the local community.
Together, the centres will provide the community with a 25m regional short course pool, two 25m community pools, learner pools, a five-court sports hall, fitness suites of 110 stations and 75 stations, studios with health impact assessment suites and outdoor tennis and MUGA facilities. The centres have been designed to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle for all members of the community; utilising modern technology, the swimming facilities include a ‘Poolpod’ to provide mobility support and assistance for disabled users.
Saunders Boston Architects worked alongside GLL, a charitable social enterprise for all the community. Gillan Kelly, Partnership Manager at GLL, said,
“Both ourselves and our customers are very pleased with the final outcome of the projects – a design that provides a considerably enhanced mix of provision for all users, enhanced revenue potential, superior integration with the community and a more efficient and effective operation.”
The practice also worked alongside main contractor, Graham, to deliver the centres, as part of a wider £150m partnership between the Barnet London Borough Council and Graham – a five-year strategic programme of capital works to enhance education, community, leisure and operational assets in Barnet; one of the most populated boroughs in London.
Cllr Caroline Stock, Mayor of Barnet and Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Board, said,
“The Saunders Boston design for Copthall and New Barnet Leisure Centres has proven to be an immediate hit for our community. It’s very clear that a great deal of attention has been given to every part of this splendid design which looks fantastic and functions superbly. The feedback I have had from residents is extremely positive and I look forward to many years of our community enjoying these two new leisure centres.”
Nathan Swift, Director at Saunders Boston Architects, said,
“Celebrating the launch of not one, but two, Saunders Boston Architects’ designed leisure centres in Barnet is extremely rewarding; we are committed to designing inclusive buildings that positively impact communities, so it has been fantastic to support the Council’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of the Barnet community through our design.”