Activating a community

A new £33.9m, multi-generational community hub with a focus on fitness and wellbeing has opened in Leighton Buzzard. WellNation takes a closer look

The Leighton Leisure and Community Centre opened its doors to the public in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. The new, £33.9m facility replaces Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre and is operated by Everyone Active on behalf of its owner, Central Bedfordshire Council. Described as a multi-generational community hub the aim of the project was to create a “place for a first swimming lesson, a lunchtime workout or a physiotherapy recovery session alike”.

The new facility has increased capacity to cater for a range of swimming options for all age groups. It features an eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool complete with spectator seating, a 17 metre by 10-metre learner pool with a movable floor to adjust depth for swimming lessons and a separate, shallow ‘confidence water’ pool for very young children.

There is also a 150-station gym, a dedicated group cycle studio, two multi-use exercise studios, a reformer pilates studio and two squash courts, as well as a café and other community areas and spaces.

BUILT FOR COMMUNITY

The increased pool options are part of the council’s aims to establish the centre as a community hub for people of all ages and abilities. In addition to the substantial physical activity and fitness areas, the venue offers a wide range of community and support spaces. These include a spacious foyer and reception area; a large café, open to both centre users and the public; flexible community spaces; two Changing Places facilities for disabled visitors; and a serving hatch from the café to the exterior.

There are also additional changing facilities for people using the adjacent outdoor pitches, which are being provided by the developer of the Clipstone Park residential project. The centre’s large car park features 219 spaces and 22 electric vehicle charging points, as well as motorcycle parking and 36 cycle parking spaces. To encourage visitors with disabilities and mobility issues, there are accessible parking bays, drop-off areas and easy access to buses and public transport.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Designed by DB3 Group, the building was constructed by Willmott Dixon, with Saunders Boston Architects supporting delivery. The building incorporates a range of sustainability-led design and construction measures aligned with the council’s wider environmental ambitions.

Sustainability was built in rather than bolted on. Although the scheme was not set a formal BREEAM or Net Zero Carbon target, its design incorporates high-performance building fabric, low-carbon heating and ventilation, SuDS-compliant landscaping and material selections guided by whole-life performance.

THE FACILITIES HERE ARE OUTSTANDING,WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

The project was digitally delivered using BIM Level 2 to coordinate design and MEP integration, reduce waste on site and improve construction efficiency, whole-life thinking that supports Willmott Dixon’s ambition to be a net zero carbon company by 2030 and gives the community a building that costs less to run and treads more lightly.

Simon Ramage, managing director at Willmott Dixon, said: “Leighton Linslade Leisure Centre represents the delivery of a modern, future-focused community asset designed to support both operational performance and long-term community wellbeing.

“By combining sustainable design principles with high-quality leisure provision, the project demonstrates how local authority developments can create lasting value for communities while also supporting wider environmental ambitions.”

OPENING DOORS

The centre was officially opened on Saturday 27 June 2026 by Olympic and Paralympic champions Colin Jackson, Maisie Summers-Newton and Olivia Newman-Baronius, alongside the council’s Steven Watkins. For Newman-Baronius, a Paralympic swimming champion who grew up in Leighton Buzzard, it was a genuine homecoming: she described the centre as her new local training spot, singling out the gym’s reformer and hydro beds for recovery.

Leighton Linslade is Central Bedfordshire Council’s fifth new leisure centre, and the latest chapter in a long-term partnership that has now seen Willmott Dixon and the council deliver 10 projects together since 2011.

Procured through the Central Bedfordshire Framework and delivered under a JCT 2016 Design & Build contract, the scheme was designed and built alongside the actively developing Clipstone Park residential neighbourhood, calling for careful coordination with a growing community around the site.

Steven Watkins, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive Member for Assets, Business and Housing, said: “We are proud to officially open our fifth new leisure centre. The facilities here are outstanding, with something for everyone, whether you’re getting active, trying something new or simply coming along to enjoy the space. We hope it will become a real hub for local people and be enjoyed for many years to come.”