Morgan Sindall breaks ground on Stevenage Leisure Centre
Morgan Sindall Construction’s Northern Home Counties business has commenced works to deliver a brand-new, £45m swimming and leisure centre in Stevenage, marking the start on site with a groundbreaking ceremony.
To celebrate the transformative milestone, representatives from Morgan Sindall, Stevenage Borough Council, and Everyone Active attended the groundbreaking ceremony on 4th September 2026.
The Stevenage Leisure Centre will play a key role in the town’s regeneration, replacing existing separate wet and dry facilities with a modern, state-of-the-art complex designed to support health, wellbeing, and community activity for decades to come under one roof.
Procured via the SCAPE Construction framework, the leisure centre is scheduled for completion in 2028. Morgan Sindall will construct a 25-metre, 10-lane competition swimming pool featuring a floating floor and seating for 150 spectators, a teaching pool and splash pad with sensory zones.
The centre will also offer a 250-station gym with consultation rooms, a six-court multipurpose sports hall, three fitness studios, a dedicated spin room, a soft-play area, and an on-site café. Externally, the scheme will provide enhanced green spaces and improved access to the facility, with new cycle parking encouraging active travel. The site will include on-site parking, as well as a dedicated bus drop-off area to accommodate school groups.
The new 6,330 sq. m leisure centre has been designed in collaboration with FaulknerBrowns Architects and structural engineers Scott White and Hookins. Construction will take place while the existing Stevenage Swimming Centre remains open to the public. Notably, the scheme is the first in the UK to use a post-tensioned design solution for a pool hall structure spanning up to 30 metres.
In line with Morgan Sindall’s commitment to sustainability, the project team will install PV panels, swales, rain gardens, and a brand-new MEP system designed to maximise energy efficiency.
To make a difference in the local community throughout construction, Morgan Sindall will offer apprenticeships and work placements as part of its social value commitment, in addition to engaging local subcontractors and suppliers who live within 20 miles of the site. The project team will also work closely with Stevenage Works, a local job and training hub managed by Stevenage Borough Council, which brings together local partners including North Herts College, Job Centre Plus, alongside a wide range of local businesses. Working collaboratively this employment and skills programme helps to connect local people with training, employment and career development opportunities.
Rod Pavey, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said:
We’re incredibly proud to have begun the construction of the new Stevenage Leisure Centre. This project plays a vital role in the transformation of Stevenage, and we’re delighted to be a part of it.
Working closely with Stevenage Borough Council, we look forward to delivering a high-quality facility that will enrich the lives of local people and provide a welcoming, inclusive space for the whole community.”
Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented:
Today's groundbreaking marks an exciting step towards delivering a landmark new leisure centre for Stevenage. This investment will provide first-class facilities for residents while supporting our wider vision to create an even better town for future generations."
Cllr Myla Arceno, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, added:
This fantastic new facility will encourage more people to be active, improve their wellbeing and enjoy quality leisure opportunities close to home. We look forward to seeing the positive difference it will make for our communities across Stevenage."
Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, said:
The Towns Fund secured by the Stevenage Development Board was focused on improving Stevenage for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors. We're delighted to see work begin on this fantastic new Sports and Leisure Centre, one of the key projects within our Towns Fund programme, which will play an important role in the bold regeneration of our town and help make Stevenage even better."
ENDS