‘Traditional’ sport and leisure facilities represent a unique building typology, offering immeasurable benefits to communities by promoting health, wellbeing and social cohesion. However, it’s no secret that operating these facilities can be extremely challenging for local authorities, leisure trusts and independent operators, as evidenced by several high-profile closures or threats of closure in recent years, writes Chris Wotherspoon, Associate at Holmes Miller.
Holmes Miller
The recent Review of Leisure and Culture Services in Scotland1, presents a somewhat bleak picture of the existing estate. It concludes that funding for sport and leisure decreased by 25% in real terms between 2010/11 and 2022/23 and that long-term funding reductions, combined with ageing buildings with significant energy demands, shifting user expectations, and rising costs, have forced operators to confront difficult decisions about the future viability of facilities.
To overcome these challenges, our approach to sport and leisure breaks from tradition and embraces transformation. Placing more focus on active wellbeing, user demand and environmental efficiency creates facilities that are fit for purpose, commercially viable, sustainable and provide value to communities.
The transition from physical health to active wellbeing
Over the past two decades, a growing emphasis on health and wellness has reshaped the design and purpose of sport and leisure facilities, evolving from a singular focus on physical health to a much broader concept of active wellbeing. Coupled with ever-changing participation statistics and a focus on inclusion, this shift encourages operators to diversify and cater to a wider range of services and people. Successful centres are now blending holistic programmes that incorporate wider health and community services alongside traditional amenities.
The Allander Leisure Centre & Adult Day Centre for East Dunbartonshire Council exemplifies this approach, creating synergies between sport, culture, additional needs support and mental health. Providing a welcoming, user-centric building at the heart of the community. The building is a direct product of a robust consultation process featuring co-design to ensure that the community have helped shape the design of the active-wellbeing hub with inclusivity as its guiding principle. Combining daycare and leisure amenities, the facility has broken down barriers and opened new opportunities for individuals living with dementia, autism and physical disabilities. Moreover, its layout reflects evolving trends in sport, featuring multi-purpose recreational spaces designed to complement one another and adapt to seasonal changes.
By focusing on active wellbeing, the Allander not only enhances traditional physical health offerings – evidenced by increased participation metrics and memberships – but also fosters a sense of purpose among users, creating spaces where they feel comfortable and welcome. This holistic approach cultivates healthier, happier communities.
The drive toward net zero
Environmentally-conscious design and the drive toward net zero significantly influence our approach to all buildings, but particularly sports and leisure facilities with inherently high energy demands. Frameworks like the Net Zero Public Building Standard and the Passivhaus Standard promote efficient form factors, high-performance insulation, airtight construction and energy-efficient systems, which lead to substantial reductions in both carbon emissions and operational costs. Implementing controlled temperature zones for user comfort, alongside smart technology for real-time energy management, also enhances energy conservation.
Our design of Blairgowrie Recreation Centre for Perth and Kinross Council, in collaboration with Sussed Sustainability, epitomises energy-conscious design. The facility features a six-lane, 25m competition pool, four-court sports hall, two-court gymnasium, fitness suite, studios and associated facilities. Designed as the first Passivhaus-certified leisure centre in Scotland, the centre will have a significantly reduced energy demand, achieving a 75% reduction in space heating requirements compared with traditional facilities. This collaborative project between Holmes Miller and Sussed Sustainability promotes an integrated design approach that prioritises energy conservation and environmental responsibility, aided by direct engagement with the Passivhaus Institute in Germany for precise energy assessment criteria through the Passivhaus Planning Package (PhPP).
Embodied carbon is also considered in the manufacturing, transportation and construction processes. The building will utilise a cross-laminated timber superstructure, exposed internally to create a thermally-broken structural frame that enhances airtightness and mitigates heat loss. This responsibly-sourced material is projected to reduce CO2 emissions associated with the superstructure by up to 80%. Additionally, the pool area features granular filtration technology to minimise chemical use, significantly improving air quality. This comprehensive design approach sets a new standard for sustainable sports and leisure facilities.
The emergence of adaptive reuse
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sports and leisure facilities; traditional buildings are often unique and expressive, reflecting the architectural styles, construction methods and popular sports of their time and location. However, they share a common purpose: Providing spaces for individuals, groups and families to come together, have fun, share experiences and create lasting memories. Consequently, when these facilities face closure, the community often protests, but refurbishment is usually warmly embraced. Successful refurbishments do not merely replicate existing features; they must adapt to changing user needs and expectations, presenting opportunities to reimagine how redundant spaces can be repurposed. Key to this is improving the financial sustainability of facilities by increasing centre membership by offering better and more varied facilities for all communities.
The Citadel for South Ayrshire Council serves as a prime example of breathing new life into an existing building to create a vibrant hub. We were inspired to preserve its beloved character while modernising its design to meet the local community’s needs. The refurbishment includes a new entrance and reception area, updated kitchen and servery, dry changing rooms, studios, a cafe, spa, family active hub, fitness gym, party rooms and a first aid room. Our goal is to create an accessible recreational space where visitors can gather, relax and enjoy a variety of high-quality leisure facilities.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of sport and leisure centres, embracing innovative design, sustainability and inclusivity is essential. By prioritising active wellbeing, adopting environmentally-conscious practices and exploring adaptive reuse, we create lively spaces that meet the needs of communities. These facilities not only enhance physical health but also foster social connections and a sense of belonging. Through good design, we can reimagine the future of sport and leisure, ensuring vital community assets thrive for generations to come.
