Cranleigh Leisure Centre set to open in winter 2027

Plans for the new Cranleigh Leisure Centre have taken a significant step forward with Willmott Dixon appointed as the preferred bidder to carry out the project. Construction is now expected to begin next summer, with the new leisure centre scheduled to open in winter 2027.

The step marks the next phase of the £31.1m scheme, during which final designs, costs and timelines will be agreed. Owned by Waverley Borough Council, the facility will be operated by Everyone Active.

Designed by GT3 Architects, the centre will have a focus on environmental sustainability. It will be built to Passivhaus certification, offering a 60-70% reduction in carbon emissions and a corresponding decrease in energy demands.

Once complete, the new leisure centre will feature a six-lane 25-metre swimming pool, a teaching pool with a moveable floor, spectator seating, a large gym, multi-purpose exercise and indoor cycling studios, a children’s softplay area and a café open to the wider community. Accessible features, such as pool pods, will also be installed to support swimmers with mobility needs.

Liz Townsend, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development, said: “Together, we’re creating a truly groundbreaking Passivhaus leisure centre shaped by our residents’ feedback and built to stand as a community asset for many years to come.”

Planning permission for the new leisure centre was approved last spring, but several planning conditions needed extra time to be resolved.