Batchwood Leisure Centre 

Where fitness, learning, and community come together in one amazing place.

The new facility was created to replace the former Golf and Tennis Centre, which was destroyed by fire. The design seamlessly integrates the surviving old orchard walled garden and the original squash court building. The resulting facility provides a state-of-the-art judo and tennis centre for the community, enhancing the sport and leisure options at Batchwood Golf Course. 

The design adheres to both LTA and Sport England (SE) standards. It fulfils LTA’s design brief, including the specifications for internal and external tennis courts, mini tennis and show courts, a café, and changing rooms. The new facility features six internal tennis courts (four for training and two for practice/competition), three external adult courts, two child courts, a fitness gym, two refurbished squash courts, and a new 312m² judo facility. 

The project faced several challenges due to historic landscape elements on and around the site. These included a walled garden, a grand avenue of trees, Batchwood Hall, and the moated manorial site of Childwicksay. Archaeological sites from the Roman occupation and other undated earthworks were also present. Additionally, the site is a Conservation Area, located in the Green Belt and locally listed. 

To address these challenges, S&P collaborated with a specialist Heritage Landscape Architect and the Hertfordshire Gardens Trust. The design was developed to enhance the significant heritage setting while respecting the historical context. 

Results

Consultation involved a broad range of stakeholders, including the District Council, 1Life leisure operator, Lawn Tennis Association, Sport England, Historic England, Hertfordshire Gardens Trust, Bowls Club, Golf Club, Batchwood Hall tenants, and the local community. The design aimed to meet the needs of all users and establish Batchwood as a premier centre of sporting excellence for the district.

November 2014