Following a successful bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund, we have done an extensive redevelopment of Talacre Community Sports Centre. Further funding for the project was provided by the council, the London Marathon Foundation and the HS2 Community and Business Funds.
The centre remained open to the public throughout the project, with the new areas opening on Monday 16 February.
The new soft play facility is already proving extremely popular, welcoming nearly 500 visits in its first 3 days. Outside, the external landscaping looks wonderful, and the new doors opening onto Talacre Green now provide direct access into the sports centre for park users. This leads into a welcoming new café space, with public toilet provision.
The centre has been comprehensively modernised and transformed, providing high-quality facilities that will serve the local community for many years to come.
At the heart of the redevelopment is the construction of a brand-new purpose-built gymnasium. We have had to overcome structural challenges, and we’re currently working with specialist suppliers to confirm when the gym equipment will be installed. Once ready, the gym will provide a modern, high-quality training environment designed for younger gymnasts and those with SEND.
Alongside the gym, a new multi-purpose group exercise studio has been created to host classes and programmes, offering greater flexibility for members.
A versatile multi-use room has also been added, designed to function as either a classroom or a party room, and providing additional space for community activities and events.
The redevelopment includes the addition of a mezzanine room and a dedicated classroom for Sports Education and Training students, strengthening the centre’s role as a hub for learning and development in sport and fitness.
Visitors will also benefit from upgraded changing room facilities, providing a more comfortable and modern experience. The reception area and café have been refreshed to create a more welcoming entrance and social space for visitors.
Beyond the building itself, landscaping work has improved the surrounding environment and improved connections with the park.
Sustainability has been a key focus throughout the project. The redevelopment has been integrated with the council’s carbon reduction programme, helping to deliver a near net-zero carbon facility and significantly reduce the centre’s long-term environmental impact.
More improvements include the replacement of the sports hall floor, and a full programme of redecoration to refresh this much-loved community space. Together, all of these upgrades represent a major investment in the future of the centre, creating a modern, sustainable hub for health, activity, and community life.