The start of construction of the new state-of-the-art Sheringham Leisure Centre, in Norfolk, has been marked with a ceremonious ground-breaking event on Tuesday 29 October. The new centre, which will replace the existing ‘Splash’ facility, was designed by Cambridge-based architecture practice, Saunders Boston Architects.
The project will include a six-lane, 25-metre pool; a 13-metre learner pool with a moving floor to cater for different activities and user groups; a fitness suite; community spaces; multi-purpose studios; a spin studio; and a café. Following planning permission being granted in late 2018, construction contractor, Metnor, has now started work on-site, with the new facility expected to be ready for use in the summer of 2021.
Nathan Swift, Director at Saunders Boston Architects, said:
“It’s always an exciting moment when building work begins on-site, especially when the end result will not only provide high quality fitness facilities, but a hub for the local community to benefit from sports and leisure.”
“Our design for Sheringham Leisure Centre has had a community focus at its core from the outset; we’ve paid homage to the existing Splash facility through the barrel-vaulted roof and took conceptual inspiration throughout our design process from the local North Norfolk coast line.”
The design incorporates a combination of water saving measures, air source heat pumps and solar hot water. Saunders Boston Architects worked alongside North Norfolk District Council, with funding from Sports England, to design a facility that is both economically and environmentally conscious.