Building Project: Winning proposal for new leisure facilities

Syntegra completed noise, air quality surveys and glint & glare analysis for two major sports facilities that have now been given the go ahead.

A new leisure centre, with a 25 metre, eight-lane competition pool, will be built to replace the Rivermead Leisure Complex in Reading and a 25 metre, six-lane community pool and gym will also be built at Palmer Park Stadium in the town.

Both projects were approved by the Reading Borough Council’s Planning Applications Committee on Wednesday, March 31 and construction is due to begin in the summer with openings planned for early 2023.

Syntegra’s teams completed the surveys and simulation at the height of the pandemic last year using COVID-secure measures.

Managing Director Alan King said: ‘These are exciting projects that will benefit the whole community and represent opportunities to integrate some really contemporary design features and sustainability measures which will showcase our broad environmental consultancy experience to the local community.

‘We’re delighted to be involved and hope very much to bring our expertise to bear in the design phase.

‘Noise and air quality concerns are clearly very important when designing practical, modern leisure facilities.

‘We’re all acutely aware of the importance of the leisure industry in the public psyche and it’s a sector we’re keen to work with more often as it’s a great way to engage with people who have a real interest in sustainability issues.’

At Palmer Park, the stadium will be extended, so a community pool, 100-station gym, cafe and activity zone for children can be built.

The car park will also be extended to accommodate more than 130 vehicles.

The new complex on the Rivermead site will be a two storey building housing a state-of-the art competition pool, moveable floor, 250 spectator seats, a diving pool, a six-court sports hall, a 120-station gym, cafe and soft play area. Our glint and glare simulation of the pool interfacing with other vectors and surfaces will enable the design team to proceed with confidence.

Cllr John Ennis said: ‘When you look at the planning application, it has a vision to create one of the best hubs of sport and leisure in the south, with a running track, modern facilities and a brand-new swimming pool. We need to push on and build this.’

• Pictured is an artist’s impression of the new facilities on the Rivermead site featured in the Reading Chronicle newspaper