Kingston Leisure Centre is being developed on the site of the old Kingfisher Leisure Centre, which previously occupied the site. This leisure centre was closed in 2019 and demolished in 2022 due to structural issues, making way for a new development.
We took on the Kingston Leisure Centre as a replacement architect after the expected costs for the previous design were expected to double the budget assigned to the project. The main challenge of this project was to reduce the cost without reducing too many of the facilities offered to the community. The new leisure is located in Kingston town centre adjoining the site of the Grade 2 listed Kingston Library and Museum in the conservation area to the north of Fairfield Park.
The landscape proposals create public realm to all sides of the new centre. A new entrance plaza provides a strong, formal green street offering clear pedestrian connections to the leisure centre from the town. The plaza is defined by a strong avenue of trees, set within raised lawns with attractive perennial planting, seating and natural stone paving.
To the east, the existing park space is to be enhanced with the creation of a community garden and growing space, orchard and wildflower meadows. The existing play area is relocated and improved with new equipment and a natural play trail.
Currently on site, the final result will be a fantastic new community facility with curated landscaping - looking forward to see this project progress!
