Plans have been submitted to Plymouth City Council for the new Sherford leisure centre, which would make it the greenest and most accessible leisure centre in the local area.
The new amenity is set to offer the latest in high quality, sustainable, and accessible sports and leisure facilities.
Having long been a crucial element of Sherford’s design, the creation of the leisure centre is being led by the Sherford Consortium, the developers responsible for Sherford – a partnership between Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Partnerships, which includes Linden Homes and Bovis Homes.
With plans continuing to progress, the Sherford Consortium is working alongside Plymouth City Council to deliver the new community facility.
Incorporating a range of energy-saving, green elements, sustainability has been central to the planning and design of the public facility. The leisure centre will have a green roof, solar panels, heating via air source heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging points – making it the ‘greenest’ leisure centre in Plymouth and the South Hams.
Marking a major investment in the creation of state-of-the-art community facilities, significant efforts have been made to ensure the leisure centre is fully accessible and open to all. Plans include the inclusion of a ‘Pool Pod’ user-controlled pool lift; ‘Changing Places’ toilet, with changing bench and hoist; internal passenger lift; and accessible car parking spaces.
Funds raised by Plymstock and District Swimming Pool Association will help fund the accessible features.
Thought has been given to the wide range of users, ensuring there is a range of sports and leisure facilities available for all ages and a variety of interests. The leisure centre plans include a sports hall; 25 metre, four-lane heated swimming pool; dry and wet changing facilities; soft play area; gym; fitness studio; café; 100 plus space car park; and multi-purpose function rooms.
Over 200 people from the local community and wider area attended a public consultation. Last year, with feedback considered and changes incorporated into the centre’s design prior to the planning application being submitted. These changes include altering the colour and materials on the exterior of the building, incorporating more windows and natural light, and providing more outdoor seating.
Other additional elements within the final planning application include extra green details, such as outlining where renewable energy sources – including solar panels and air source heat pumps, will be located – as well as sharing more details on cycle storage, electric vehicle charging, and proposed landscaping.
Following submission of the planning application, approximate timings are based on a decision being expected in Spring 2023. If approved, appointment of a contractor will follow, with an 18-month build programme to follow. The leisure facility could open its doors to first members in the latter half of 2024, subject to when planning approval is received, the tender process, and construction progress.
Set to be appointed as the chosen operator, LED Community Leisure will bring the latest in leisure and fitness facilities, equipment and skills to Sherford.
With a proven track record in managing centres across Devon and Somerset, LED Community Leisure reinvests all its profits into creating, maintaining and enhancing leisure hubs for the benefit of the local community. The operator’s inclusive and innovative approach will ensure Sherford’s leisure centre meets the needs of both residents and the wider community.
Peter Sadler, managing director of Vistry Partnerships South West, part of the Sherford Consortium, said: “The submission of the planning application marks a major step forward for the leisure centre.
“As one of the most anticipated facilities at Sherford, the public consultation provided us with a valuable opportunity for future users to provide feedback on the proposed plans, with their insight helping to create a leisure facility built around the needs of local community, as well as the surrounding environment. We are incredibly proud to be leading the way with a green, sustainable and forward-thinking design.”
Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sports for Plymouth City Council, said:
“I am beyond excited to see this amazing project reach this important milestone. If approved, this facility is going to be just brilliant for the residents of Sherford and Plymstock.
“I’m particularly pleased to see features such as a pool lift and Changing Places facilities for people with disabilities as an intrinsic part of the planning application.”
Plymouth City Council is providing £403,000 towards the building costs of the project, which has been secured through sport and recreation Section 106 contributions from other developers within the local area.
