Plans to build the new centre were approved in June 2021 and the contract for the new development was appointed to developers Willmott Dixon. The firm will be working with GT3 Architects and Passivhaus expert Gale & Snowden to ensure environmental sustainability is prioritised in line with the Borough's target for reaching net zero.
The Mayor was joined by members of the project team at the site, including Leader of the Council - Cllr John Boughtflower, Chair of the Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee - Cllr Maureen Attewell and Matt Kemp - Willmott Dixon Delivery Director, to mark the official start of the build. Currently grounds works are being undertaken and in October the creation of the structure for swimming pool will begin.
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The new leisure centre will be a vital community amenity serving residents and visitors to Spelthorne and affirms the Council's commitment to tackling climate change and in providing first class accessible leisure opportunities for residents, enabling them to live healthier, more active lives.
The Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr Susan Doran, said: "It is fantastic news for residents that this brilliant new leisure centre is now one step closer. Once complete, Spelthorne will have the world's largest wet and dry leisure centre meeting Passivhaus standards with top class facilities that service everyone, from elite sportspeople to those just trying to lead a more active lifestyle as well as being a dementia friendly design for residents."
Cllr Maureen Attewell, Chair of Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee, said: "These are exciting times for Spelthorne. This is not only breaking ground but a breakthrough in services for the Borough and I really hope the new centre brings a lot of enjoyment and wellbeing for many a year to come. We are investing for our community and our future by delivering this brand-new centre that will promote health and wellbeing and provide a place for people to be active and socialise with others."
Matt Kemp, Willmott Dixon Delivery Director, said: "It's fantastic to see this project on site, after a preconstruction period that saw a lot of collaboration across all of parties, we're incredibly pleased to have started construction. As the largest Passivhaus leisure centre in the UK this will shine a light on what is possible within net zero construction. We're incredibly pleased to be working alongside Spelthorne Council to deliver their vision, whilst collaborating further with their expertly assembled team."
While construction takes place on the new complex, the current centre will be open as usual to residents and visitors, right up until the grand opening of the new centre in Spring 2024. Residents are able to watch the build as it happens on a live time-lapse camera.
