Work has reached its highest point at Medway’s new multi-million-pound family-friendly sports centre.
A topping out ceremony took place on Tuesday, 5 September to mark completion of the structure, with the last beam now in place.
We are investing £23.650million on the facility in Bloors Lane, Rainham, supporting its ambition of providing more child-friendly facilities and further opportunities for Medway’s young people.
The new modern sports centre will have two swimming pools – a children’s fun pool with flume, wave ball pool and beach area, as well as a training pool for lane swimming and lessons. There will also be a fitness gym and room for exercise classes and children’s parties, as well as family and accessible changing rooms.
In support of Medway’s climate change and carbon neutral aims and ambitions, the new building has been designed to be thermally efficient and will be mainly powered by solar panels installed on the roof. The use of solar panels will enable help to reduce running costs by more than £30,000 a year. As a result of these measures, carbon emissions at the new centre are projected to be 72 per cent lower than a typical sports centre. There will also be electric vehicle charging points in the car park.
Willmott Dixon Construction Limited is building the new facility, which is anticipated to open next summer (2024). The building’s frame is now in place and the roof is currently being built. The training pool for lane swimming and the leisure pool are also taking shape and work on the inside of the centre is due to begin this autumn.
Excellent facilities
Cllr Harinder Mahil, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “I was pleased to recently visit the site of Medway’s new sports centre and see how the works are progressing. As well as providing all residents with the opportunity to access excellent swim and gym facilities right on their doorstep, children and families will be able to visit this fantastic centre to have fun whilst becoming more active. I am looking forward to seeing the works continue to take shape.”
Sustainable for the future
Adam Worrall, Director at Willmott Dixon, said: “It is fantastic to be reaching the topping out stage of the project. We are excited for the borough to enjoy a great leisure facility, which is sustainable for the future and provide a place to bring together the community.”