Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre 

From 1960s to State-of-the-Art: A New Era for Waltham Forest’s Sports and Leisure Facilities.

SPACE & PLACE led the vibrant transformation of Waltham Forest’s leisure facilities, replacing the outdated 1960s pool and athletics track with a modern flagship centre. This ambitious project, part of Greenwich Leisure’s successful bid, revitalized the borough’s sports and recreation offerings.

Extensive consultations shaped the design, ensuring it met community needs. The new centre features a 25-meter, eight-lane competition pool, a teaching pool, and a four-court sports hall. A state-of-the-art fitness suite with 134 stations, aerobics studios, and a two-story soft play area cater to all ages.

Innovative attractions include the Adventure Extreme Zone with clip and climb, adult trampolining, and a soft play area for older children. An industry-standard wet and dry spa offers hydrotherapy and wellness treatments, enhancing the centre’s appeal.

Designed around a central atrium, the centre maximizes natural light and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Indoor spaces connect seamlessly to an outdoor athletics track, promoting a holistic approach to fitness. The layout optimizes space, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes staffing needs, reflecting thoughtful design principles.

Results

The building incorporates sustainable features and achieved a BREEAM ‘VERY GOOD’ rating. Designers maximized natural light and employed energy-efficient systems to ensure the centre operates sustainably. Completed in 2016, the Waltham Forest Leisure Centre quickly became a key destination for competitive sports, fitness, and community engagement, highlighting the borough’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles..

August 2016