Planning application for the revamp of Kingfisher Leisure Centre has been approved by the council with construction expected to begin this spring.
Designed by award-winning architect Roberts Limbrick, the sustainability-designed building, featuring both two-and-three-storey parts, will include a 25m eight-lane swimming pool with a movable floor, a 20m training pool with a splash zone, a fitness gym, a cycling studio, two squash courts, multi-purpose activity studios, indoor soft play areas and an upgraded play area in Fairfield East Green Space.
Additionally, this £5.348m building funded by Prudential Borrowing will consist of wider walking paths and public spaces to improve access for pedestrians from Fairfield Road, the Cattle Market car park and Wheatfield Way.
Councillor Alison Holt, who is responsible for leisure and economic development in the borough, expressed her support for the project, stating that the approval of planning permission is a significant step forward in creating a new centre that upholds the highest standards of sustainability and accessibility.
She said: “We are moving swiftly towards putting a spade in the ground, and are on the final stretch of the procedures needed on a project of this scale, so that we can bring forward a fantastic new facility for all in the borough.”
The Final Committee approval for the construction contract will take place in March 2025 and if approved, construction will start with completion expected in Spring 2027.
The new centre aims to be more environmentally friendly as it aims to exceed London’s Sustainability Standards by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 40%, surpassing the required 35% limit set by the London plan.
However, only 7% of this reduction will be received from energy sufficient improvements despite guidelines recommending at least 15%. A carbon offset payment of approximately £118,432 will be needed to compensate for any shortfalls.
A coach parking area will be added outside the centre but it a would require the removal of an Electric Vehicle charging bay.
Moreover, the area would also provide space for a minimum of six long-stay cycle parking spaces and 66 short-stay places along with a locker and shower facilities for visitors and staff to use.
Kingston Cycling Campaign has suggested moving some of the bike racks closer to the entrance to improve security, adding shelters for weather protection and to ensure spaces dedicated to adapted bikes and cargo bikes.
Despite the delays in approving this project, the council has acknowledged several parts of the proposal needing improvement or further testing.
Councillor Roger Hayes said that the new leisure centre ticks all the boxes following years of angst over the delay of this decision.
He said: “I did the Fairfield litter pick a few weeks ago and there were a number of people there who were saying how much they were looking forward to this.”
Councillor Ian George was critical, calling it “completely ridiculous” that it took five years for the decision to approve the plan given the leisure centre’s importance in the borough.
Additionally, Councillor Olly Wehring extended an apology for the delays, followed by Councillor Mark Beynon who said that the new centre would be a major improvement in comparison to the Kingfisher Leisure Centre.
“It will be a fit for the people of Kingston when it gets built,” he added.
Lucie Janackova, a resident of Kingsnympton Park, acknowledged the tremendous value it has for local communities as she loved visiting the previous leisure centre and felt that it was a cause of concern for leaving the space empty for a long time.
She added: “I also think they should definitely consider creating more parking spaces for more cars, especially for disabled people and for cyclists.”
Andy Pringle from Hampton proposed the addition of Wallball in the centre.
He said: “The game is wonderfully simple, wonderfully accessible and great fun. UK Wallball does some great work – and could operate a superb programme out of a venue like this.”
Jon Tolley, a resident who attended the consultation was one of many with no objections.
He said: “There are issues about budget and about timescale, and still conversations about provision. But the big difference between this and what was being proposed before is that this is a) affordable, and b) deliverable at close to that timeline.”
Tom Farey, Director of the Development at Alliance Leisure, said: “We are looking forward to continuing at pace through the final stage of pre-construction, and working with our expert partners to deliver this exciting new centre that meets the needs of the borough for many years to come.”
