Seymour Leisure Centre – Heritage Refurbishment 

Overview

The Seymour Leisure Centre redevelopment is a landmark investment in community infrastructure, heritage conservation, and health and wellbeing in the heart of Westminster. This ambitious refurbishment transforms the existing Grade II-listed leisure centre into a multi-functional, future-ready facility featuring a modernised swimming pool, sports hall, gym, studios, teaching spaces, and a brand-new public library.

Delivered via the SCF 5 Framework, the project balances heritage preservation with modern design and sustainability, ensuring the building serves as a vibrant social, educational, and recreational hub for local residents.

This is the latest in a series of successful collaborations with Westminster City Council, following projects at Dudley House, 300 Harrow Road, and ongoing schemes such as Westmead.

Project Delivery & Challenges Overcome

Refurbishing a heritage building within a dense urban location required meticulous planning, early engagement, and highly specialised construction methods. Key considerations included:

• Preservation of the building’s historic fabric, working closely with conservation officers and MAKE Architects to ensure all interventions respect the site’s heritage significance.
• Integration of modern amenities and services within a listed structure, requiring innovative MEP solutions and careful spatial reconfiguration.
• Phased procurement and delivery planning, with over 80% of procurement placed and a full digital risk and execution strategy in place.
• Working within a live city environment, managing logistics, access and community impacts through CLOCS and Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) registration.

Completion is expected by April 2026.

Key Features & Community Benefits

Refurbished Leisure and Wellness Facilities:

• Full refurbishment of existing swimming pool, with upgraded plant and improved accessibility.
• New sports hall, fitness suite, and activity studios, designed to Sport England standards.
• Teaching and wellness areas, supporting inclusive and community-led programming.
• Accessible changing and mobility-friendly circulation, so the building is welcoming to all.

New Library and Flexible Community Spaces:

• A brand-new Westminster public library, featuring digital access, learning zones, and quiet study areas.
• Multi-functional rooms and teaching spaces, allowing for flexible community use and educational programmes.
• Integrated reception and café-style social spaces, creating a central community hub.

This adaptive reuse project promotes physical health, lifelong learning, and social cohesion within a much-loved civic building.

Sustainability & Environmental Impact

The project incorporates significant low-carbon technologies and sustainable construction practices:

• Photovoltaic panels (PV) on the roof will generate renewable electricity.
• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) will provide energy-efficient heating and cooling.
• BIM Level 2 design compliance, improving coordination and minimising waste.
• Heritage-focused fabric upgrades, including enhanced insulation and energy-efficient lighting, improving performance without compromising character.
• SuDS landscaping and green space integration, improving site-wide water management.

These upgrades support Westminster City Council’s commitment to sustainability while extending the building’s usable life.

Community Engagement & Social Value

The Seymour Leisure Centre redevelopment will deliver wide-reaching social benefits for Westminster residents:

• Access to sport and wellness activities for all ages and backgrounds.
• Educational programmes through the new library and teaching spaces.
• Local job creation and skills development, with supply chain engagement prioritising local businesses.
• Enhanced public realm and connectivity, reinforcing the site as a civic anchor for Seymour Place.

Client Feedback

"This refurbishment breathes new life into one of Westminster’s most important civic buildings. By integrating modern facilities into a historic setting, we are delivering a place that promotes wellbeing, learning and community – for today and generations to come."
— Claire Nangle, Senior Client, Corporate Property, Westminster City Council