Waverley Borough Council has appointed award winning architects GT3 as Lead Designer for Cranleigh Leisure Centre.
The new build leisure facility will be designed to meet the needs of the local community, whilst delivering a low carbon building in accordance with Waverley’s carbon-neutral 2030 strategy.
A feasibility study conducted by the council in 2021 revealed the need to update the existing facility, making it fit for purpose for the next generation of users, whilst improving leisure provision in Cranleigh.
GT3 Architects will now work on initial designs and concepts for the new leisure centre and carry out surveys with current leisure centre users to understand existing and future needs. When designs for the new facility are ready, they will be shared with the community for further consultation and feedback.
The plan is for the Leisure Centre to be built to Passivhaus standards (or equivalent) and use innovative technology to ensure energy efficiency. A Passivhaus leisure centre offers a 60-70% reduction in carbon emissions against a standard build leisure centre – good for the climate and managing long term energy costs at the Council.
Councillor Liz Townsend Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Planning, Regeneration and Economic Development, said:
"We are delighted to have GT3 on board to help us deliver this leisure facility in Cranleigh. The council is committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 and this project is a fantastic opportunity to significantly lower our carbon emissions and deliver a wonderful new facility that is fit for the future.
“With the devastating impacts of climate change becoming even more apparent and faced with a volatile energy market, it’s more important than ever that we invest in a building that is energy efficient and provides significant energy savings in the future. I’m very excited about what this new facility at the heart of the village will offer in terms of how it will look, how it can be a hub for community health and wellbeing and how it can benefit Cranleigh and the surrounding villages”.
GT3 Architects put people, not buildings at the heart of each project, working to ensure that the spaces they create are not just beautiful but deliver real value to the people who use and operate them. Paul Reed, Director at GT3 Architects said:
“We are thrilled to have been chosen to deliver this project for Waverley Borough Council. We look forward to working with the council and residents to provide a facility that not only focuses on low carbon, but also provides lasting benefits to the health and wellbeing of the local community.”
If you have any thoughts or comments on this project and particularly the vision for the building, please get in touch with Waverley Borough Council via clcnewbuild@waverley.gov.uk.
There will also be opportunities to view and comment on the design at community events in the future. Register at the email address if you would like to attend.