Hart Leisure Centre was shaped by a shared ambition to bring sport, health and community together, creating a modern, welcoming, and inclusive leisure destination for Fleet and the wider Hart district.
Completed in 2017, the £26 million facility was designed for Hart District Council to replace the existing leisure centre, which had reached the end of its economic life. Located on the edge of Edenbrook Country Park, the brief was to deliver a new building that could support a growing community while sitting comfortably within its rural parkland setting.
The project presented a unique opportunity. Rather than simply replacing an outdated facility, the ambition was to create a new leisure destination that would promote healthier lifestyles, support community activity and provide regional competition-level facilities.
The design responded directly to its surroundings. A sweeping, curved form allows the building to feel like an extension of the landscape, softening its presence within the parkland while also respecting the residential neighbourhoods that wrap around the site. The approach helped ensure the centre felt connected to its setting rather than imposed upon it.
Steven Mirtle, Project Lead on the scheme, reflects:
“From the outset, the ambition was to create a leisure destination that would genuinely serve the community while respecting its unique setting.
“The site sits alongside Edenbrook Country Park, so it was important that the architecture felt connected to the landscape rather than competing with it. The curved form and the way the building sits within the wider masterplan allowed us to create a facility that feels open, welcoming and integrated with its surroundings.
“At the same time, the centre needed to provide high-quality sporting facilities that could support both everyday community use and regional competition.”
Working closely with Hart District Council and Sport England, the brief evolved to bring together a wide range of activity, health and community functions within one accessible destination. This approach helped support Hart District Council’s wider regeneration ambitions while promoting inclusive participation in sport and physical activity.
Inside, the centre offers a diverse mix of facilities designed to support users of all ages and abilities. These include a 25 metre eight lane competition pool with spectator seating, a dedicated teaching pool with therapy and fun elements, and a specialist training tank for more advanced swimmers.
Alongside the aquatics provision, the building includes an eight court sports hall, three dance studios, a large fitness gym, an eight metre high climbing wall, a crèche and social spaces including a modern reception and café area.
Externally, the scheme extends the leisure offer into the landscape. Five 3G pitches and four full size grass pitches, all designed to meet Sport England and FA standards, provide high quality outdoor sporting facilities supported by dedicated changing accommodation.
The result is a centre that supports a broad spectrum of activity, from competitive sport and structured training to informal exercise and community use.
Councillor Richard Quarterman, portfolio holder for leisure at Hart District Council, said:
“Hart Leisure Centre has become an important destination for health, sport and community life within Fleet and the wider district.
“The centre provides high-quality facilities that support residents of all ages to stay active and connected, while also enabling local clubs, schools and community groups to access modern sporting environments.
“Set alongside Edenbrook Country Park, the centre plays a key role in supporting wellbeing, encouraging participation in physical activity and providing a welcoming place for the community to come together.”
The project was also recognised as an exemplar by Sport England, highlighted in a case study for its layout and the integration of modern leisure technologies designed to maximise accessibility and participation.
Nearly a decade on, Hart Leisure Centre continues to support everyday activity across the district. From competitive swimming events and team sports to family visits, fitness classes and community programmes, the building remains an important hub for health and wellbeing.
As part of our ten year throwback series, Hart Leisure Centre represents another step in the journey. A project shaped by collaboration, community engagement and a clear focus on creating places that support healthier, more connected lives.
Looking back now, it stands as another example of how thoughtful design, partnership and a people-first approach can help shape places that support communities for years to come.
Another chapter in the story of People Architecture!