Cranbrook Leisure and Wellbeing Centre

Name: One Darnley Road
Price range: $

Cranbrook, UK

Services

Sectors

Sports, Leisure and Hospitality

People

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project overview

Creating space for a growing community to stay active and come together

Serving the growing community of Cranbrook, in East Devon, the project was driven by a simple ambition, to create a welcoming place where people can be active, connect with others and access support close to home.

Designed in response to local needs, the centre will bring together a six-lane 25 metre swimming pool, learner pool, fitness suite, studios, soft play, cafe, community rooms and a small library, in one connected setting, making it easier for people of all ages to build activity, wellbeing and social connection into everyday life.

With funding support from Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, the centre will promote health, wellbeing, social connection and sustainable growth in the town.

Our design focuses on openness, clarity and ease of use. A light-filled entrance will create a strong sense of arrival, with views through to key spaces including the cafe, pool hall and community areas, helping people feel comfortable and confident from the moment they arrive

Inclusivity was considered from the outset. The centre will include a range of changing facilities, including a Changing Places suite for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities or severe physical injuries who cannot use standard accessible provision. Level access, lifts and clear wayfinding will support an environment that is easy to move through and straightforward to understand.

The landscape is integral to the overall vision and will connect the development with the surrounding town and establish a strong sense of place. Footpaths and cycle routes across the site will strengthen connections with the community, creating a true destination that is easy to reach and naturally woven into the fabric of Cranbrook.

We've looked at how this space can support everyday life in Cranbrook, bringing people together, encouraging activity and creating a place that feels welcoming, connected and part of the town. That sense of community remains at the heart of every decision."

Adam Baker

Project Architect, Bristol

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Design Concept

Creating bright, uplifting spaces for everyday wellbeing

At the entrance, the reception, cafe, pool viewing area, soft play centre and small library and community wellbeing hub will all be clearly visible, creating a welcoming, sociable hub that will draw people in and encourage movement through the building.

The soft play centre will offer 105m² of double height play space, with a dedicated viewing area for parents, a bookable party room, baby changing facilities and buggy parking for families during their visit.

A bright, open staircase will lead to the first-floor fitness suite and a welcoming seating area for rest and recovery. Double height spaces and carefully positioned glazing will provide the fitness suite with daylight and offer views across the town centre.

sustainability

Efficient to run, comfortable to use and ready for the future

Sustainability is embedded within the design, which targets a BREEAM Excellent rating. The focus is on reducing energy demand first, through a high performance building fabric and carefully designed glazing that will bring in natural light while limiting overheating. This will support bright, comfortable spaces with lower long term energy use.

Low and zero carbon technologies, including rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, will help reduce operational impact, while good indoor air quality, comfortable temperatures and carefully considered acoustics will contribute to a positive everyday experience for people visiting the centre.

Outside, our landscape placemaking strategy promotes biodiversity net gain (BNG) through linear green infrastructure connections, planting, green roofs and rain gardens. Pedestrian-focused, sustainable travel connections will further enhance our approach, with landscaped footways and cycle routes creating safe, accessible links to the centre that encourage walking and cycling from the surrounding residential areas.

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key information

Project summary

Client

East Devon District Council

Location

Cranbrook, East Devon

Completion

Ongoing

Includes

Six‑lane, 25‑metre swimming pool
13 x 7‑metre learner pool
Fitness suite
Spin studio
Two group exercise studios
Community and social spaces
50+ seat cafe
Soft play area
Family facilities, small library space and flexible community rooms

Team