The new leisure centre developed on the site of the former Central Baths building is one part of the overhaul of Watford Council’s indoor sports facilities. The centre includes a six-lane 25m pool and learner pool together with a four-court sports hall, fitness suite, dance studio and dry change facilities. A three storey climbing wall forms a backdrop to the entrance / reception. The design demonstrates advanced low and renewable energy technologies with the energy strategy for the facility incorporating high insulation, a roof mounted solar thermal array, ground linked heat pump water and space heating, and rainwater recycling. The building has set a new benchmark standard for the environmental performance of swimming pools.
The building lives up to all our expectations, in fact surpasses them. It shouts quality, it has presence within its setting and, not least of all, it works extremely well as a leisure centre. Cate Hall, Executive Director – Services, Watford Borough Council
Photography – Kilian O’Sullivan
