New swimming pool set to continue Olympic legacy
A new, permanent 50-metre pool is open to the public at Becontree Health Leisure Centre in Barking and Dagenham.
This is the third swimming pool Box Architects has delivered alongside Total Swimming. It follows the successful completion in 2017 of pools in Andover for Test Valley Borough Council and Warrington for swim!
This is the first 50m pool delivered by Total Swimming using the modular above deck construction method. It forms part of the 2012 Olympic legacy to provide 50m swimming facilities for public use. Greater London currently only has five 50m pools shared by its 8 million residents, so there is an obvious need for more of these facilities. This pool will showcase a new way of fulfilling this need.
The design and external appearance of the swimming pool is sensitive to the appearance and form of the existing leisure centre and was conceived as an extension of this facility. The swimming pool will be operated by Everyone Active, the operators of the main leisure centre. But it can operate as a standalone facility as it contains the 50m pool, spectator area, changing facilities, reception, pool plant and energy centre. The energy centre contains Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units which generate electricity and heat. It will provide heating and hot water to the swimming pool alongside a district-wide supply to a major new local residential development.
The building is on course to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating and will exceed the requirements of Approved Document Part L 2013 of the Building Regulations. This has been achieved through reduced U-Values, reduced air permeability and improved energy efficiency.
Toby Harling, an Associate at Box Architects, says: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working once again alongside Total Swimming on this major new development. We are excited to have delivered a brand new 50m swimming facility in Becontree Heath. The building has been designed to complement the existing leisure centre and the swimming pool will improve the already excellent facilities in this location.”
Adrian Turner, Director of Total Swimming, adds: “Greater London needs more swimming facilities, so I’m delighted that this new pool is now completed. Not only does it ensure the remarkable legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games will continue for many years to come, but I do hope it will encourage residents to rediscover the joy of swimming.”