Market Rasen Leisure Centre

Introduction

The notion of being healthy has been paramount in today’s society and with the rising levels of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and dementia, the council have invested £7.8m into the area to help combat this. As part of the investment, West Lindsey District Council needed to construct an 18,300 sq ft leisure centre. This will form part of the solution to supporting the local community and providing the residents with an amenity whereby they can improve their health and wellbeing. The centre is being operated by Everyone Active.

The works on the leisure centre included a reception/café area, a four-court sports hall, a fully equipped modern gym, exercise studio, multi-use room, changing areas with toilets and a full size 3G pitch. The leisure centre features 40 pieces of Technogym cardio and strength equipment.

There will also be space and connectivity to allow instructors to deliver virtual classes to residents looking to pursue a healthier lifestyle from home. This design feature was very important as with the COVID-19 pandemic we needed to aid in adopting different methods to help people continue their fitness aspirations.

Our approach

Collaboration and innovation proved pertinent when designing the leisure centre. The team worked with CPMG Architects and devised a key design feature for the Window. The windows were designed to maximise light and limit heat gain. As a result, this would reduce the need for cooling and reduce the building's carbon footprint.

The team also managed to save the client £21,395 by identifying an alternative drainage system for the cut and fill exercise. The use of Pozidrain System which is a geo-composite drainage layer would stabilise the ground with stone and tensar and offer the same result for less.

Kerry O’ Neill, contract manager at Everyone Active: For the area this is a fantastic facility. The place has got a really warm feel to it has that feel of a top quality, high-end finish. When we saw it, I thought it really did have that wow factor. West Lindsay District Council has got a strategy for health and wellbeing, and here at Everyone Active we're focused on delivering on that strategy, providing it and proving it.

As we evolve, we are working with more groups and it is definitely building momentum and it has been great to see the centre growing in popularity. It's been really popular because it's something the community simply hasn't had before and has needed. We've had overwhelming support here because the community have wanted it for so long and the authority has really listened. For us it's about getting the community involved and hopefully in time we can open more things up and continue to grow.

Social impact

The team welcomed two students from De Aston school in Market Rasen to undertake a work experience placement. The opportunity was greatly appreciated by the school. The team received a thank you letter from the school which expressed the student’s gratitude and how the work experience will support their transition into adult life.

With the UK’s aim to reduce the carbon footprint by 68% by 2030 and achieve net zero carbon by 2050 the team reduced air pollution by saving 1478 car miles. The team also managed 7488 miles in low emission cars. Overall, the total Social Value added was £1,084,534.87.

Children from the town’s primary school were invited to create a time capsule. The children wrote letters to describe 2020 living, included a school prospectus, coins, pictures of the school and a copy of the Market Rasen Mail.

Councillor Giles McNeill, Leader of West Lindsey District Council: I am delighted that the new West Lindsey Leisure Centre: Market Rasen has been completed by Morgan Sindall Construction, on time and on budget. Our partnership means that the people of Market Rasen and the surrounding area will benefit from a first-rate, brand new facility. The building is sited prominently on Gainsborough Road, which is the westerly entrance to the town, and makes an impressive statement about the confidence the district council has in the town as an important area now and for the future.