£25.5m Refurb & Modernisation of Cherwell LC’s

Construction of Spiceball Leisure Centre, Banbury

The new Spiceball Leisure Centre in Banbury was constructed to replace the existing facility, which was prone to flooding. This state-of-the-art centre includes:

• A 150-station gym
• A 25-metre main pool
• A 20-metre teaching pool
• Dance studios
• A health suite
• Treatment rooms
• A café
• An 8-court sports hall

In addition to the leisure facilities, a new pedestrian bridge linking the centre to Banbury town centre was built. Parkwood Project Management (PPM) was also commissioned to perform ecological scoping, surveying, mitigation, and consultancy support, addressing the flood-prone nature of the site. PPM’s expertise ensured that the new site was both functional and resilient to environmental challenges.

Bicester Leisure Centre

The Bicester Leisure Centre underwent significant refurbishment to modernise and extend its facilities. The comprehensive project included:

• A 25-metre swimming pool
• A 15-metre children’s play and teaching pool
• A 100-station gym
• A sports hall
• A specialist group cycling studio
• Two fitness studios with various classes
• Three squash courts
• A crèche
• An on-site café
• A 6-lane, 10-pin bowling alley

The project also covered the design, construction, and operation of the leisure centre for 25 years. Initial master planning was crucial for obtaining planning permission, followed by detailed plan submissions, specifications, and management and maintenance reports to satisfy Council requirements.

Kidlington & Gosford Leisure Centre

This centre also experienced significant refurbishment, enhancing its offerings to include:

• A 25-metre swimming pool
• A 50-station gym
• A functional training room
• A sports hall
• Two squash courts
• A sauna and steam room

Given the extensive refurbishment at both Bicester and Kidlington & Gosford sites, maintaining maximum service operation throughout the construction period was vital. PPM planned the construction schedule to stagger the closure periods, ensuring minimal disruption to the services provided.

The redevelopment of Spiceball, Bicester, and Kidlington & Gosford Leisure Centres demonstrates PPM’s commitment to integrating ecological considerations and flood mitigation into their projects. By leveraging detailed planning, expert consultancy, and strategic construction management, PPM successfully delivered enhanced, modern facilities while addressing environmental and operational challenges. These projects exemplify the balance between modern infrastructure development and environmental stewardship.

Banbury, Bicester & Kidlington, Oxfordshire

Cherwell District Council

£25.5m Capital Cost

• Project Management
• Employers Agent
• Lifecycle Fund Management
• SPV Management Services
• Contract Compliance
• Client, Local Authority & Subcontractor Liaison