UK leisure centre refurbishment projects

Local authorities in England are advancing a series of refurbishment and development projects for community leisure facilities. In late July, Devon’s Dawlish Leisure Centre secured up to £5 million for a major overhaul, expanding the gym, adding studios, upgrading changing rooms, ventilation and solar systems, and extending parking. Funding combines Community Infrastructure Levy contributions and council borrowing, with additional maintenance allocation. Simultaneously, Edinburgh’s Portobello Swim Centre moved forward with design work after strong public support, focusing on improved changing facilities, better accessibility and heritage preservation.

The following day, Brighton & Hove council pushed for a £65 million regeneration of the King Alfred swimming pool and leisure centre, citing the need to prevent closure and to keep the venue operational during construction. In London, Waltham Forest began discussions with Thames Water to open Banbury Reservoir for wild swimming, aiming to create a safe outdoor venue that supports recreation, biodiversity and future housing plans. Across these initiatives, councils stress the importance of safe, inclusive leisure spaces as part of broader health and wellbeing strategies for their communities.