Consultation: Proposed leisure centre in Leighton-Linslade

Results – proposed Leighton-Linslade leisure centre consultation

Consultation closed: Friday, 22 July 2022 
Consultation opened: Thursday, 28 April 2022 

Decision: At the Executive committee meeting on 11 October 2022, members unanimously approved plans for a new £25 million leisure centre in Leighton Linslade. A planning application for the new building was submitted in November 2022 and subject to approval, procurement of a contractor will begin, with completion of the leisure centre estimated to be in summer 2025.

The new centre’s facilities will include:

  • 3 new swimming pools - an eight-lane 25 metre community swimming pool complete with 130 spectator seats, a learner pool with a moveable floor to alter the depth for lessons and other activities, and a separate shallow pool, known as a ‘confidence water’
  • a large 150 station fitness suite (gym)
  • two multi-use studios for various exercise classes and activities
  • a dedicated group cycle studio
  • two squash courts
  • a creche and café
  • two Changing Places facilities
  • access to walking and cycling routes linking to the new and existing communities and nearby informal open space
  • Improved access to outdoor changing facilities
  • Serving hatch from the café to the exterior, to improve access from pitches

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Communities that provided the results of the public consultation on proposals for the Leighton-Linslade Leisure Centre, together with updated RIBA Stage 3 plans which responded to consultation feedback. The report also sought approval to proceed with the proposed scheme and submit a planning application.

View or download the Executive report (PDF)

The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Communities explained:

  • that the leisure centre would be accessed by the eastern link road with pedestrian and cycle access
  • that subject to approval it was anticipated that there would be a new bus stop located near the leisure centre
  • that the seating area had been increased from 100 to 130 seats without incurring additional costs. If this was increased further there would be a financial implication
  • an extraordinary meeting of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on 7 October 2022 to scrutinise the report
  • it was a Sports England requirement that the school completes a Community Use Agreement to enable residents to use their facilities
  • that once the new leisure centre was opened in the summer of 2025, Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre (TLC) would revert to the Assets Management Team to consider the use of the site; and
  • that TLC had been approved as an asset of community value following a request from Leighton Linslade Town Council (LLTC). Once the site was referred back to the Assets Management Team and if a decision was made to dispose of the site then LLTC would have 6 months in which to purchase the site

View or download the consultation report (PDF)