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Contractor appointed for two new leisure centres

(22nd November 2006)

Watford Borough Council’s Cabinet last night (Monday 20 November) agreed to award the contract for the construction of two new leisure facilities to Pellikaan Construction Limited.

The new facilities will be based on the sites of Central Baths and Watford Leisure Centre in Woodside, which close in December. Work on both sites should be completed by Autumn 2008.

It was also agreed to progress the inclusion of a wind turbine at Woodside and solar thermal array, rainwater recycling and an extended heat pump system at both sites.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “It is pleasing that we had four strong bids for these new facilities. A careful evaluation process has looked at a range of factors such as cost, health and safety, and technical ability. We have done everything possible to get a quality company, as we certainly don’t want another Watford Springs. Pellikaan are amongst the market leaders in the provision of leisure centres across Europe.

“Sustainability was a major element of the selection process for the design team and we have required the new buildings to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly. We have increased the number of sustainable elements of both buildings. These will increase their long term viability, both in terms of a reduction in carbon emissions and in running costs.”

“It is very exciting that residents in Watford and Three Rivers, will have two new leisure centres fit for the twenty first century, with swimming and learner pools, sports halls and gym fitness suites at both sites.”

The £24 million cost of the two leisure centres is being met by £22million from Watford Borough Council’s capital budget and £2million from Three Rivers District Council.

Chris Hope, Three Rivers District Council’s Head of Leisure Services, said:

“We are working in partnership with Watford to support the new Woodside facility and we are very excited about the new centre. All Three Rivers residents will be able to enjoy the Woodside facility at the same discounts as the people of Watford. This will be especially appreciated by people living in the north of the district who have at present no convenient access to this sort of facility.”

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill added: “We have been saving up for these new facilities over the last four years and delighted that the winning tender has come in within budget. I would like to re-assure residents that there will be no extra increase in council tax as a result of building these new facilities.”

The design plans for the Watford Leisure Centre site include:

• 8 lane 25 metre competition swimming pool

• learner pool

• viewing gallery/spectator area

• 8 court sports hall

• 100 station gym fitness suite

• dance studio

• squash courts

• café

• function room

• crèche

• changing facilities – wet and dry