What is the Cranbrook Leisure and Wellbeing Centre project?

Cranbrook Leisure and Wellbeing Centre is a proposed £28m community facility in Cranbrook, designed to support health, wellbeing and everyday life for a growing population. The project will form part of the town’s future Leisure, Health and Wellbeing Campus and will include swimming, fitness and family-friendly facilities.

What role is AHR playing in the Cranbrook Leisure and Wellbeing Centre project?

We are leading the design of the Cranbrook Leisure and Wellbeing Centre. We were initially appointed at RIBA Stage 1 and have now been confirmed to take the project forward through RIBA Stages 2–7, supporting the design, planning and delivery of the scheme.

How will the leisure centre benefit the local community?

The leisure centre will provide accessible facilities that promote physical activity, social connection and wellbeing for people of all ages. Alongside indoor leisure spaces, the wider masterplan includes active travel routes and outdoor areas, helping to encourage healthier lifestyles and create a welcoming community destination.

How is AHR’s experience shaping the design?

Our approach is informed by experience delivering similar community leisure projects across the UK, including Chard Leisure Centre. That experience helps us focus on inclusive design, flexibility and long-term value, ensuring facilities are well used as communities grow.

Project News

Survey opens for the future Cranbrook Leisure and Wellbeing Centre, a welcoming community hub

Min Read

by AHR

The proposed Cranbrook Leisure and Wellbeing Centre in East Devon is a much‑anticipated part of the town’s future Leisure, Health and Wellbeing Campus.

Cranbrook has seen rapid growth over the past decade, with around 3,500 new homes, two schools, a railway station and a country park. As more people choose to make Cranbrook their home, the need for high quality, accessible leisure facilities has become clear.

A local consultation by East Devon District Council (EDDC) in 2023 found that a new leisure centre with a swimming pool was residents’ top priority, receiving support from more than 1,100 people.

Shaping a healthier, well‑connected town centre

The centre is the first step towards creating a wider Leisure, Health and Wellbeing Campus at the southern end of Cranbrook’s town centre. This location was chosen for its convenient connections to homes, schools and walking routes, helping to make healthy choices part of everyday life.

A new landscaped pedestrian and cycle route will run through the site. This pathway, with benches, planting and accessible spaces to rest, will help create a calm, green setting that encourages people to walk or cycle. The masterplan also makes space for a future community health centre, helping to strengthen Cranbrook’s social infrastructure over time.

Promoting social connectivity within the community

A light-filled space designed to boost wellbeing

Promoting social connectivity within the community

A light-filled space designed to boost wellbeing

Bringing together fitness, leisure and community life

The building is organised around a central entrance with community and pool facilities on the ground floor, with fitness studios and activities spaces on the first floor. Facilities includes:

A six‑lane, 25‑metre swimming pool
A 13 x 7‑metre learner pool
101‑station fitness suite
Two group exercise studios
One dedicated spinning studio
Community and social spaces
A 50‑seat cafe with outdoor terrace
A soft play area and bookable party room
A youth and family hub, small library space and flexible community rooms

Generous glazing will fill the building with natural light and every space will be designed to feel calm, welcoming and easy to navigate.

Our design has been shaped around the needs of the community to create a welcoming, well-connected place that supports active lifestyles.
We’re really looking forward to hearing from people across the local community.”

Adam Spall

Project Lead

A welcoming and inclusive hub for the community

The building features a prominent cafe that spills out onto a sunny external terrace that connects to the wider town centre. Other community features include two large flexible rooms which can be opened up for community use such as toddler groups and evening classes.

It is designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, integrating sustainable features including solar panels, high levels of insulation and considered glazing to prevent glare and overheating. Rain gardens and planting will help manage rainwater naturally, while promoting biodiversity across the site.

Have your say

The Cranbrook Leisure and Wellbeing Centre survey is now open, an opportunity for everyone in the community to share their views and help shape the town’s next chapter.

Share your ideas and feedback here

In the meantime, you can explore more of our work across the sports, leisure and hospitality sector here

Frequently asked questions

: Cranbrook Leisure and Wellbeing Centre is a proposed £28m community facility in Cranbrook, designed to support health, wellbeing and everyday life for a growing population. The project will form part of the town’s future Leisure, Health and Wellbeing Campus and will include swimming, fitness and family-friendly facilities.
: We are leading the design of the Cranbrook Leisure and Wellbeing Centre. We were initially appointed at RIBA Stage 1 and have now been confirmed to take the project forward through RIBA Stages 2–7, supporting the design, planning and delivery of the scheme.
: The leisure centre will provide accessible facilities that promote physical activity, social connection and wellbeing for people of all ages. Alongside indoor leisure spaces, the wider masterplan includes active travel routes and outdoor areas, helping to encourage healthier lifestyles and create a welcoming community destination.
: Our approach is informed by experience delivering similar community leisure projects across the UK, including Chard Leisure Centre. That experience helps us focus on inclusive design, flexibility and long-term value, ensuring facilities are well used as communities grow.