The existing leisure centre was no longer fit for purpose or sustainable, creating the need for a modern replacement capable of supporting long-term community wellbeing and growth. Following the declaration of a climate emergency by Wokingham Borough Council in 2019, the approved proposals were revisited to significantly improve environmental performance while retaining the full range of sport, leisure, and community facilities. The challenge was to deliver a highly accessible and inclusive building that exceeded Sport England guidance while dramatically reducing operational carbon.
Working collaboratively with the council and Pellikaan Construction, we redesigned the scheme to prioritise sustainability, accessibility, and operational performance. The revised proposals retained the leisure, library, café, theatre, and wider community functions while enhancing the building fabric and integrating low-carbon technologies including photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps.
The hub includes swimming pools, a splash pad, sauna and steam rooms, fitness studios, and a specialist gym supporting users with long-term health conditions. Careful attention to air permeability and building performance contributed to exceptional energy efficiency and low running costs, helping the project achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating. The inclusive design also ensured the centre met and exceeded Sport England guidance, creating a welcoming and accessible environment for the whole community.
Opened to the public in July 2022 and operated by Places Leisure, Carnival Hub has become one of the country’s most energy-efficient leisure centres. The redesign achieved an 87% reduction in CO2/m² in operation, significantly improving the scheme’s environmental performance while delivering long-term value for both the community and the council. As part of the wider regeneration of Wokingham Town Centre, the development provides high-quality health, leisure, and cultural facilities that support community wellbeing and sustainable growth for the area.
