Willmott Dixon has been chosen by Central Bedfordshire Council to build a new leisure centre in Clipstone Park, Leighton Buzzard, in a contract worth £31.5 million.

The company will start construction of the Leighton Leisure and Community Centre in October 2024, with Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre remaining open until the new centre is complete in Summer 2026 to ensure residents have continuous access to leisure facilities.

The new leisure centre will provide residents with a range of high-quality, modern sports and community amenities to meet the needs of Leighton-Linslade’s growing population. It will accommodate a significantly increased scale of facilities including a large health and fitness area (gym), and significantly increased pool space with an eight lane 25metre pool, a learner pool and a confidence pool; offering swimming options for all age groups.

The building has been designed to minimise energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions. It will feature electric car charging points and improved access to sustainable travel options, aligning with the Council's Sustainability Strategy and its goal of achieving being carbon-zero by 2030.

Stewart Brundell, managing director at Willmott Dixon:

“We are looking forward to starting on site to begin the construction of the Leighton Leisure and Community Centre. This is a project that promises to significantly enhance the quality of life for the local community. The state-of-the-art facility will provide a hub for health, wellness, and recreation, fostering a stronger and vibrant community feel and create a lasting impact which will benefit residents for generations to come."

The existing sports hall and squash courts at the Tiddenfoot site are an integral part of Cedars Upper School and as such will remain open and available for residents to use and enjoy after the new leisure centre has been opened.