Hounslow Leisure Centres - New Chiswick Pool

In conjunction with the success of Isleworth and Hanworth Leisure Centres, Pringle Richards Sharratt were appointed as architects by The London Borough of Hounslow through The Clarkson Alliance for the comprehensive refurbishment of the New Chiswick Pool. The brief was to completely rejuvenate an existing rather tired and under-utilised 1980’s leisure centre to a standard equivalent to that of its neighboring private competitors.

Working closely with the new contracted operator Fusion Lifestyle, PRS and TCA were able to develop various low-cost solutions for discussion with the London Borough of Hounslow.

The project chosen, which is now complete, included the comprehensive refurbishment of the existing facility which now offers a 6 lane 25m pool, a new light-filled barn-like 50 station gym, an activity studio, new dry changing facilities, a new changing village, an enlarged reception & café, and a new crèche that doubles up as a spin studio. The small reception desk also functions as a bar, serving coffee and refreshments, offering views of the pool beyond.

The work was carried out in a single phase but with parts of the existing facilities kept operational during the work by setting up temporary changing rooms and even a temporary gym.

Specific challenges that the New Chiswick Pool refurbishment had involved: working on a very restricted site, prefabrication using solid timber elements to reduce the time on site and assist facilitating continued operation of the centre, as well as a substantial amount of construction works being carried out above an operational swimming pool to create the new gym, studios and dry changing facilities.

Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Mayor of Hounslow, said: “It was a pleasure to join in the celebrations and I’m delighted we’ve been able to invest in our sports and leisure facilities so that members and visitors can make the most of the opportunities they offer. The changes made to the pool and surrounding area make it a truly inviting place for people to spend time and get active.”

Andrew Corcoran, Head of Operations at Fusion Lifestyle, commented: “Fusion Lifestyle are committed to providing top quality services to the public and hope they agree that the improved centre offers something for everyone.”