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Leisure Local

A concept aiming to encourage well-designed facilities that meet the needs of sport and physical activity and are a pleasure to use.

The Leisure Local concept, developed in collaboration with Swim England, is a combination of small water activity space with health and fitness provision.

The flexibility of the configurations results in a smaller hub within local neighbourhoods, which can better meet the needs of local communities to support the health, physical and mental wellbeing of the individuals.

An illustrated scene of a local leisure centre, with a netball court, basketball court, parking spaces and planting outside.

Key aspects of the facility

  • Access for all
  • Welcoming and inclusive environment
  • ‘Small’ offer to reach the whole community
  • Emphasis on flexible space for physical activity
  • Size and configuration
  • Flexible ‘village’ changing with individual privacy
  • Link to complementary services e.g. school, GP surgery, large sports centre
  • Access to outdoor space or other provision

Key considerations

There are many potential combinations of facilities depending upon the outcomes and needs of the community.

Any facility mix options should comply with relevant standards.

The two core examples in the guidance can be adapted to suit local requirements and be supplemented with further facilities to meet demand.

The core elements in the examples include:

  • Reception hub
  • Water space (pool sized to suit the community needs and fun water area)
  • Health and fitness suite
  • Flexible activity space
  • Accessible and standard changing/WCs
  • Plant room
     

Resources

Animation walkthrough

We'll soon be publishing a film that takes you on a virtual journey, highlighting some basic design principles that will help you to design a facility inspired to the Leisure Local concept.

Warsop Health Hub Case Study

The case study gives an overview from the initial consultations to the delivery of the first innovative and ambitious Leisure Local concept-inspired facility in Warsop, for Mansfield District Council, delivered in 2024.

Leisure Local Design Guidance Note

The full design note will help encourage well-designed facilities that meet the needs of sport and physical activity and are a pleasure to use.

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