Leys Pools and Leisure Centre, Oxford

We have a proud history of creating new facilities at Blackbird Leys in Oxford, going back to the 1990s.

Our latest project here is a new swimming pool complex which includes the following features:

• 25 metre main pool with moveable floor
• Toddlers' splash pool
  
• Village and group changing facilities
• Spectator seating including café style area
• A sauna
• Soft play area.

The new facility also has a number of energy efficient and carbon reduction measures including:

• Biomass Boiler
• Combined Heat and Power Unit
• Pool Covers
• Energy efficient plant and lighting.

Matthew Raybould, operations director at Willmott Dixon, said: “The Leys Pools and Leisure Centre is an important part of the wider regeneration taking place in Oxford. We've constructed it with sustainability at the forefront of our minds, which will cut thousands off the running costs each year.”

The centre includes a learner pool and children’s play pool, spectator seating, wet side changing rooms and an associated plant room.

Formerly known as Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, it was re-named as Leys Pools & Leisure Centre and incorporates a range of adaptations to support users with disabilities and also offers more parking on site than its predecessor.

“I am delighted to see this project reach completion, but even more so, by the resounding reception it has received from the community as evidenced by the 12,000 people who attended its grand opening weekend last month. The pool is a wonderful facility for residents and will go a long way in encouraging more people to embrace healthy and physically active lifestyles.”

Councillor Mike Rowley, board member for leisure contract and community partnership grant at Oxford City Council

Oxford City Council targeted a BREEAM 'very good' rating, and it came close to being one of the first BREEAM 'excellent' pools in the country.

"This project was the final and key part of Oxford City Council’s leisure strategy. The new pools replaced two old leisure centres and have created a fantastic new facility adjoined to a dry side leisure centre."

Ian Brooke, Oxford City Council