New Horley leisure centre gets the go ahead
Work on the new Horley leisure centre is set to start this summer after detailed plans for the centre were approved.
Work to build the new multimillion pound leisure centre for Horley looks set to get underway this summer after Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s Planning Committee agreed the detailed plans for the centre (Wednesday 7 April 2010).
Range of facilities
The centre, to be built on the site of the former Court Lodge Secondary School in Court Lodge Road, will feature:
- a 25 metre six-lane swimming pool with ramped access for disabled users
- a teaching pool
- four-court multi-use sports hall
- fitness suite with 50 stations and free weights
- an exercise and dance studio
- separate male, female, family and disabled changing areas
- reception with seating and vending facilities and
- cycle parking and parking for 150 cars, to be shared with Horley Town Football Club.
Improved leisure provision
A Council spokesperson said: “The new leisure centre will be a great improvement to the leisure provision in Horley.
"The new centre has been designed with environmental sustainability and accessibility in mind and although 35 per cent larger than the Horley Anderson Centre, it’s energy usage will be 30 per cent lower per square metre.
"The Council is looking to appoint a contractor for the development in the coming weeks, ready for work to start on site over the summer.”
Summer start
The existing school buildings on the site are scheduled for demolition during June with construction expected to start on site in July. It is anticipated that the new leisure centre will be open to the public in January 2012.
A double height, glass fronted swimming pool hall will be built at the front of the site, along Court Lodge Road, with a sports hall at the rear and the other facilities located between the two. An area of open space, with landscaping and plants, will be created at the front of the site, along Court Lodge Road.
The final plans incorporate feedback from residents, sports clubs, schools and community groups including better spectator viewing, larger changing rooms and a higher ceiling in the sports hall, following comments from a local trampolining club.
Sustainable
Among the many energy saving measures are:
- a wood burning biomass boiler which will provide the majority of the centres energy
- heat recovery systems to make use of heat generated by mechanical plant
- low energy lighting
- motion and light sensitive lighting controls
- low water usage taps, showers and toilets
- high levels of insulation
- wind catchers to allow natural ventilation and
- “zoning”.
The building has also been designed to allow high levels of natural light to reduce the amount of electrical lighting required.
Horley Anderson Centre
The Horley Anderson Centre will remain open until the new centre is complete and is currently scheduled for demolition in March 2012. The site would then become public open space, forming part of Horley’s Riverside Green Chain.
Last updated : 14/04/2010
