Initially, SBA worked with Max Associates and East Herts Council to strategically review the Borough’s Leisure facilities. Two of the centres within the study, Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre and Hartham Leisure Centre were considered for redevelopment through a potential DBOM Procurement route before separate capital build and operator procurements were carried out in tandem.

At Hartham multiple options were explored before the final solution to retain and refurbish the ‘wet’ facilities whilst redeveloping the new ‘dry’ facilities was agreed upon.

Developed over multiple phases, the centre has been designed to ensure no loss of service to the public during construction.

Architecturally the design leans into Hartham Common and forms an ‘eye’ view across the landscape to Bengeo.

The building is designed to grow out of the landscape whilst creating hard landscaped spaces around the perimeter for outdoor terraces and park run meets. The building form allows northern-facing vistas across the common and protection from the sun to the south – the crimped transition from roof to wall pays homage to the eaves detail of the existing swimming pool.

Sustainability is at the heart of this design with BREEAM ‘Excellent’ being achieved and features such as natural ventilation, a large photovoltaic Array, rainwater harvesting and a large exterior living wall all contributing to this standard.

Images courtesy of Everyone Active.