Project Info
Client: London Borough of Hillingdon
Location: Broadwater Lake, Harefield, Uxbridge
Value: Approx. £26.5m (HS2-funded)
Programme: Design development: 2021 – 2024
Project Description
The Hillingdon Water Sports Facility & Activity Centre is a major new leisure and education development replacing the former HOAC facility, which was closed due to HS2 infrastructure works.
The scheme provides a multi-functional outdoor activity centre delivering water-based and land-based uses including sailing, kayaking, camping and environmental education, alongside a permanent base for Broadwater Sailing Club. The development is located within the Mid Colne Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), requiring a sensitive, landscape-led design approach.
Development
The proposal comprises an approximately 80-hectare site incorporating:
- Main operations building including teaching, changing and administration spaces
- Equipment storage and workshop facilities
- Camping and outdoor learning areas
- Pontoons, slipways and associated watersports infrastructure
- New access, parking and landscaping works
- Ecological enhancement and habitat creation measures
The design maximises the reuse of existing hardstanding areas, minimising environmental impact and visual intrusion.
Our Role
Syntegra were appointed to provide sustainability and environmental consultancy services in support of the planning application. Services included:
- Energy Strategy Report
- Lighting Design & Lighting Impact Assessment
- Circular Economy Statement
- Whole Life Cycle Carbon Assessment
- Demolition / Waste Management Plan
- BSG, Syntegra’s subsidiary company, provided RIBA stage 2 MEP design
Project Summary
The scheme delivers a low-impact, environmentally integrated leisure facility designed to achieve long-term sustainability objectives, including low carbon operation and biodiversity enhancement.
A coordinated design approach was adopted to balance ecological constraints with functional requirements, ensuring compliance with planning policy and SSSI protections.
Outcome
The development will deliver a new flagship outdoor activity centre, re-establishing a key community facility while providing enhanced environmental performance and long-term ecological benefits.
