We were commissioned by South Somerset District Council to work on this ambitious project as part of the wider Chard Regeneration Project.
Work began in December 2019, and despite the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic the impressive building was completed, providing a vast, high-spec facility for both the local community and visitors.
The new, accessible, and extensive leisure facility opened on 8th November 2021.
The project was procured and delivered via the UK Leisure Framework – managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd.
The leisure centre incorporates a 25 metre swimming pool and separate training pool with wet facilities served by a dedicated, spacious changing village. It also boasts an indoor adventure play area, a gym, a fitness studio, a group cycling studio, and a lounge and café.
The site has excellent accessibility features, including a Changing Places facility, ensuring that everyone can participate in the new centre’s activities. It will be managed by Freedom Leisure.
The project was delivered ahead of schedule which has allowed the operational team to exceed its initial targets for both fitness memberships and swimming lessons.
The diverse mix of facilities in the venue has given Freedom Leisure the opportunity to fully engage with the whole community and provide new opportunities in the town which were, in some instances, over a 30 minute drive away previously.
Client: South Somerset District Council
Partners: Speller Metcalfe, AHR Architects, Axiom, Technogym, UK Leisure Framework (managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd)
Project Value: £15m
Opened: November 2021
