Leighton Linslade Leisure Centre – Community Health & Wellbeing Hub

Overview

The new Leighton Linslade Leisure Centre is a flagship investment in health, wellbeing, and community infrastructure by Central Bedfordshire Council. Located in the growing community of Clipstone Park, this two-storey facility will offer a wide range of inclusive and modern fitness amenities, designed to support the physical and mental wellbeing of residents of all ages.

The development includes an 8-lane, 25m swimming pool, a learner pool with movable floor, a splash pool, a 150-station gym, consultation rooms, and a suite of multi-purpose studios, alongside changing facilities for nearby sports pitches and a spacious café and social space.

Delivered under a JCT 2016 Design & Build contract, this is the latest in a long-standing partnership between Willmott Dixon and Central Bedfordshire Council, having delivered 10 projects together since 2011.

Project Delivery & Challenges Overcome

This high-specification leisure centre is being delivered through the Central Bedfordshire Framework, with preconstruction beginning in May 2024 and a 20-month construction programme starting in October 2024.

Challenges and delivery strategies include:

• Designing a flexible leisure space that caters to recreational swimmers, athletes, fitness users, and families alike.
• Meeting sustainability ambitions despite a fixed budget, through smart material selection and energy-efficient systems.
• Coordinating with active residential developments in the surrounding Clipstone Park neighbourhood.
• Designing and procuring within a tight timeframe, with 80% of procurement already placed to ensure cost and programme certainty.

The facility’s steel-frame structure, modern façade, and expansive internal layout were developed in collaboration with Saunders Boston Architects, using BIM Level 2 coordination to streamline design and reduce risk.

Key Features & Facilities

Aquatics & Fitness Offer:

• 8-lane, 25m swimming pool suitable for both recreation and competition.
• Learner pool with movable floor, providing flexibility for all ages and abilities.
• Dedicated splash pool, designed for early-years swimming and sensory play.
• 150-station gym with cardiovascular, strength, and resistance equipment.
• Multiple group exercise studios, including a specialist spin studio.
• Consultation and well-being rooms, supporting personal training and health advice.

Community Amenities:

• Café and social space, offering healthy food options and a gathering point for visitors.
• Outdoor changing facilities, supporting nearby sports fields and clubs.
• Landscaped surroundings and improved site access, promoting walkability and inclusive access.

Designed as a multi-generational hub, the centre aims to increase physical activity, reduce health inequality, and support community cohesion across Leighton Buzzard.

Sustainability & Environmental Impact

While not mandated to achieve BREEAM or Net Zero Carbon, the design includes a number of sustainability-focused measures in alignment with Central Bedfordshire Council’s green ambitions:

• High-performance insulation and glazing, reducing energy demand.
• Low-carbon heating and ventilation strategies, including efficient HVAC systems.
• SuDS-compliant landscaping, helping to manage stormwater and enhance biodiversity.
• Material selection guided by sustainability performance and life-cycle value.
• Digital design and delivery (BIM Level 2) to reduce waste and optimise MEP coordination.

Willmott Dixon will also ensure construction phase environmental controls, including waste minimisation and carbon reporting, as part of its “Now or Never” sustainability strategy.

Community & Social Value

As with all Willmott Dixon projects, Leighton Linslade will generate long-term social and economic benefits:

• Local job creation and skills development, through apprenticeships and supply chain partnerships.
• Local spend targets, with over £16.7 million already placed with regional suppliers.
• Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) and CLOCS registration, ensuring best-practice community engagement and logistics safety.
• Opportunities for schools and local groups to engage with the project through site visits and education sessions.

Client Feedback

"This project will be a vital part of our strategy to improve health and wellbeing in Central Bedfordshire. We’re proud to work with Willmott Dixon again to deliver a modern, inclusive facility that will serve our growing population for years to come."
— Lisa White, Head of Leisure, Central Bedfordshire Council