Sign of things to come for Houghton Regis community and leisure
Friday, 17 November 2023
A ‘steel signing’ ceremony marked a significant milestone for a superb new facility in Houghton Regis providing sports, fitness, and community facilities, as the building’s structure takes shape.
We've secured £20 million of government Levelling Up funding for the centre to be built on the site of the former Houghton Regis Academy. This was boosted with investment from our capital funds and developer contributions secured to support local infrastructure. Construction work is being carried out by the council’s appointed contractor, Morgan Sindall Construction.
At the event, which celebrated the progress made since works started on site in March 2023, attendees were invited to ceremonially sign one of the steel beams forming the structure of the building.
The community and leisure centre will open towards the end of 2024 and includes a wealth of high-quality amenities. An eight-lane 25-metre pool, a learner pool with a movable floor to raise or lower the depth for swimming lessons and classes, and a separate shallow pool for people to gain confidence, enabling people of all swimming abilities to take part.
The centre will also contain a substantial fitness suite with over 100 stations, 2 squash courts, a dedicated spinning bikes studio, and multi-use exercise studios offering a range of classes and activities.
As well as the sports and fitness facilities, the building will have a spacious foyer and reception area, with a public café, community spaces, a creche and Changing Places facilities for disabled visitors. Outside features include a children’s play area and a fitness trail set in the landscaped areas surrounding the centre.
A 238-space car park will include electric vehicle charging points, motorcycle parking, accessible parking bays, and cycle parking. Improved walking and cycling routes will connect the building to other parts of the Kingsland Campus and the wider community.
Councillor Rebecca Hares, our Executive Member for Health and Community Liaison, said:
This steel signing ceremony is the celebration of a major milestone in a project that will bring huge benefits to people in Houghton Regis and across Central Bedfordshire. It’s recognition of our commitment to providing top-quality sports and leisure facilities, supporting active lifestyles and promoting good health and wellbeing.
Emma Curtis, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said:
We are thrilled to be reaching this milestone today at the Houghton Regis Community and Leisure Centre development. Working in close partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council, this transformational project will become the heart of the community, engaging local people and promoting healthier lifestyles and increased wellbeing. It’s great to see the positive engagement we’ve had so far with local residents, alongside offering both employment and apprenticeship opportunities.