State-of-the-art Luton facility intended to capitalise on Olympics effect

Wates Construction has completed the £26m new Luton Aquatics Centre.

The S&P Architects-designed project, a joint venture between Wates and Luton Borough Council, is already open to the public and is part of a drive by the local authority to tackle health and obesity problems in the area.

The building includes a 50m eight lane main pool capable of holding national swimming competitions in front of 400 spectators plus a range of other facilities such as a 20m five lane community pool, a diving tower, a gym and sports hall, a cafe and a car park.

Luton Learning & Community Partnership will now operate the centre.

New projects manager for the partnership, Jason Brown, said: “With the race on to capitalise on the public’s enthusiasm for taking up new sports post the Olympics, it’s great that we’ve been able hand over the Aquatics Centre on time and on budget.”

Building work started on site in October 2010 and was completed within 22 months, with the two concrete pool tanks passing water tightness tests at the first attempt.

The diving tower was fabricated off-site in pre-cast concrete to give it the “highest possible finish”. 

The centre is expected to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

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