Regeneration the key catalyst
In 2015, through strategic partners GL Hearn, SLC supported the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to develop regeneration area in Maidenhead town centre – St Clouds Way. The site is currently home to the Magnet Leisure Centre but the Council has recognised that the centre will soon reach the end of its useful life. One option the Council wished to explore was to relocate the leisure centre in order to develop the site to meet some of the town centre’s housing requirements as set out in the emerging borough local plan.
Evaluating options
Supported by cost consultants Castons and architects AFLS&P, SLC provided consultancy support in relation to the appropriate facility mix for a new replacement leisure centre and an exploration of possible site options, designs and costs.
SLC also explored the potential for refurbishing the facility to provide a clear sequential test to support future planning applications.
SLC worked closely with the Council to establish whole-life costs for the development and to support members in the evaluation of options. SLC also explored the wider implications of various scenarios linked to exploring a Green Belt site at Braywick Park.
Green light for investment
SLC’s advice led to the Council committing to re-provide a new major leisure facility.
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s Councillors gave the green light to a futuristic leisure centre on 14 February (subject to final approval by the National Planning Casework Unit.) The Centre will feature an indoor street and winter garden running through the spine of the building.
It is scheduled to open in late 2019 and will be funded through developer contributions.
The £32.8m facility includes a 25m, 10-lane swimming pool – with moveable floor, a 200-station gym floor, training and splash pools and a health club featuring two dance studios and an indoor cycling studio. The centre will also feature four squash courts, six outdoor netball/tennis courts and a floodlit all-weather 3G pitch.
TESTIMONIAL
I don’t think you’ll regret using SLC. My personal view is they are head and shoulders above other leisure consultancies in terms of market knowledge and reporting.
Marie Percival
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (May 2016)