Client: Buckinghamshire Council
Cost: £31m
Consultant: SPACE&PLACE
Facilities Mix 8-lane 25 metre swimming pool, Pool Spectator area, Diving / teaching pool alongside a kids’ splash pad area, 4 badminton court sports hall, 2 x squash courts, 150 station gym, 2 Exercise studios, Hot Yoga Studio, Dry diving training facility, Community centre (events/ theatre space and community meeting spaces), Luxury spa and treatment facilities, Street Café, Climbing wall / bouldering, Clip n climb zone, Soft play zone, Library, IT suite, Meeting rooms & offices, Youth area, Pre-school nursery, External children’s play facilities, Street snooker, Outdoor gym, Free to use Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), Petanque, Skate Park, Car Park.
SPACE&PLACE (S&P) was appointed to lead the design team for the Chilterns Lifestyle Centre, a major replacement leisure and co-location project commissioned by Buckinghamshire Council. the scheme was conceived to replace the ageing Chilterns pools complex and provide modern accommodation for the community building, library, and youth club / children’s nursery currently on the site. The new facility offers a wide range of amenities, including leisure and swimming facilities, a diving pool, children’s soft play, climbing areas, a dedicated spa, a children’s nursery and extensive community spaces. A central street and cafe area were also incorporated, designed as a hub for local events.
The design brief focused on co-location, bringing together complementary community activities under one roof. Developed in collaboration with Buckinghamshire Council, various stakeholders, sporting bodies, and design / cost consultants, the scheme followed Sport England design guidance as its primary compliance document, supplemented with specific sports governance codes where applicable. The project successfully passed CABE review and incorporated formal feedback from Sport England during the design process.
Challenges posed by the site – such as limited space due to land ownership constraints, rights of way, and the need to keep the existing leisure centre operational during construction – were addressed through careful planning. Advanced fire engineering, facade design, and space modelling maximised available space while minimising disruption. Landscaping and servicing strategies ensured the site’s functionality, with a subterranean service pit and access route discreetly facilitating chemical deliveries and plant access.
Extensive public consultations, including leafleting, interactive websites and newsletters, yielded over 4,500 responses, providing strong support for the project. This feedback informed the facility mix and layout, with a focus on delivering a high-quality, inclusive offering. For example, splash pads and children’s facilities were designed to engage younger users, fostering water confidence and encouraging progression to swimming. When the operator (SLM) was approved, minor layout revisions were made, particularly for the fitness suite, dance studios and play areas.
Project Outcomes
The Chilterns Lifestyle Centre embodies the principles of co-location, creating a true community hub that integrates leisure, public, and community services in an accessible, inclusive space. It directly supports the Council’s vision of fostering safe, healthy and cohesive communities while improving health and wellbeing for all. The new centre ensures access for people of all ages and abilities, reflecting the Council’s commitment to inclusivity.
Designed to meet BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standards, the building incorporates energy-saving measures and environmental improvements, although formal certification was deemed unnecessary to prioritise direct investment in sustainability. Its prominent location necessitated careful architectural and landscaping design, giving the centre four visually engaging “main” elevations.
The Chilterns Lifestyle Centre represents a benchmark in modern, sustainable, and community-focussed design. By co-locating a diverse range of services and activities, it delivers significant social value, supports lifelong health and fitness, and serves as an inspiring model for future community developments.
AWARDS:
Buckinghamshire Design Awards – People’s Choice
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