Stevenage residents are being asked to give their views on the proposed new Sports and Leisure Centre in the town.

The centre will combine the sports and swimming facilities that are currently provided at two different sites - the Arts and Leisure Centre and the Swimming Centre. It will also become home to the services currently offered at the Bowes Lyon Youth Centre.

Documents submitted last year as part of the business case for the new centre suggest that it could include swimming pools, a gym, sports hall, squash courts, a soft play area, a sauna and a café, which would be accessible from the Town Centre Gardens.

Morgan Sindall Construction, which has extensive experience of building leisure facilities, has been appointed to help build the centre, which will be managed by Everyone Active.

A Stevenage Borough Council spokesperson said that the design is "in its very early stages", and is now asking residents and businesses what they would like to see from the new building.

Residents have until Friday, November 24, to complete the survey which can be found online. Hard copies are available at the gym reception at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre.

The project is expected to cost £44.2m, with £10m of that coming through the government's Towns Fund. Money from the fund must be used by the end of March 2026.

The business case included plans for the facility to be built on the site currently occupied by the Swimming Centre and Bowes Lyon Youth Centre. It estimated that construction would be completed during 2025 or 2026.

Under those plans, the site itself would be located largely on the site currently occupied by the Bowes Lyon Youth Centre, and spread over a small section of the Town Centre Gardens. Car parking would be provided on the site of the current Swimming Centre, where there are also plans to build up to 200 homes. 

Launching the new survey for residents, Cllr Richard Henry, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for our residents to have their say on this proposed new development for the town.

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"The existing sports, health, and wellbeing services provided within Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre and Stevenage Swimming Centre are well used and the council is looking to future proof these services by replacing them with brand new facilities in the new building, both in terms of provision of services and capacity for the growing town and increased usage.”

Adrian Hawkins, chair of the Stevenage Development Board, commented: "We are delighted to see the commencement of our new Sports & Leisure project in Stevenage as we remain certain that this major investment will greatly contribute to improvements in the enjoyment, health and welfare of our residents and the many employees also based within the town and locality.

"The team at the council are working very hard to deliver the many Towns Fund projects and meet the increasing interest in our town from the many UK and overseas organisations.

"We look forward to your kind assistance in providing feedback so that you can enjoy these facilities even more."

Cllr Loraine Rossati, executive member for culture, leisure and information technology, said: “We have a vision for this new facility for the town, and the involvement of our communities is a key part of that vision.

"This is a new space for everyone to enjoy, and for that to be realised, we need help to shape what we want in a new, state-of-the-art building.

"This is the start of an extensive process with residents, the local community, businesses and visitors as we work collaboratively to deliver a facility that everyone can use and be proud of.”

Emma Curtis, area director at Morgan Sindall, commented: “With previous experience in the leisure sector, we understand the value of community leisure facilities and just how much they can act as a springboard for both improved physical and mental health.

“The new sports and leisure hub will be a new focal point for the town and this opportunity will allow us to engage positively with Stevenage residents by offering both employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

“We are very proud to be working alongside Stevenage Borough Council to deliver its transformational regeneration plans and are excited to receive your feedback on what you’d like to see at your new sports and leisure hub.”

Allan Prescott, Everyone Active contract manager, said: "We are excited to be a part of this transformative project in Stevenage.

"The needs of residents are ever evolving and it is important that we deliver a top-notch facility that caters to the needs and aspirations of the local residents. I would urge everyone to get involved in this consultation to help shape the plans."