Spelthorne Borough Council has opened the doors to a world-leading leisure centre built to Passivhaus standards.

Spelthorne Borough Council is expecting the new Eclipse Leisure Centre to use between 60 and 70 per cent less energy than a typical modern leisure centre and will be a major step forward in helping the Council become carbon neutral.

Located in Staines-upon-Thames, the facility includes a 25 metre main pool, learner pool, splash pad and spa, installed by Myrtha Pools.

Other facilities include a 200-station gym, group exercise studios, a six-court sports hall, sauna and steam room, squash courts and artificial rooftop football pitches, as well as a soft play area, a Clip and Climb climbing area and a Costa coffee café.

Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, Joanne Sexton says: “We are very proud of the fact we have delivered one of the most advanced and energy efficient centres in the world. It represents a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of local people and will serve the community for many years to come.”

The centre was designed by GT3 Architects. Director, Mark Gowdridge, says: “As one of the UK’s first leisure centres designed to Passivhaus standards, Eclipse has shown us the future of leisure in terms of reduced energy waste and running costs. A huge effort was made to make sure this facility was fully inclusive, with a wide range of community benefits. From improved air and water quality to promoting overall wellbeing, this centre is designed to enhance the lives of everyone who uses it.”

Places Leisure – which runs more than 100 leisure centres across the UK – scooped the operating contract. General manager, Dan Zubiena, says it’s an outstanding facility which allows Places Leisure to deliver significantly enhanced health and fitness services to the community.

Willmott Dixon Construction South was the building contractor.

Separately, Places Leisure has signed a new five year agreement with Swim England and the Institute of Swimming to support more than 115,000 children learn to swim across the UK.

The partnership agreement will see the Institute of Swimming deliver an aquatic workforce development plan to increase the number of swimming teachers and ensure they are trained to the highest standards. It will support Places Leisure’s existing teachers, drive standards and support staff in delivering aquatic provision.

Rebecca Cox, managing director of the Institute for Swimming, said: “With Swim England research showing that more and more children and young people are missing out on the opportunity to have swimming lessons due to a lack of teachers, there has never been more urgency to develop highly skilled teachers. We are looking forward to helping Places Leisure develop a new generation of swim teachers through our Recruitment Academy.”

FEATURE: HCM People – Belinda Steward