Stokewood Leisure Centre
Nestled in the leafy Talbot Woods neighbourhood, Stokewood Leisure Centre has long stood as a civic cornerstone.
Footprint Architects were appointed by BHLive in partnership with Bournemouth Council to sensitively extend and upgrade this locally listed facility.
The scheme enriches the leisure centre’s capacity and usability, while preserving its historical character and enhancing the wellbeing of its community users.
Environmentally-Conscious Techniques
Retaining and building upon existing structures helped reduce embodied carbon while preserving the civic character of the original building.
The timber cladding, including charred timber, offers natural durability with low maintenance and reflects the woodland setting.
Passive ventilation, low light spill, and controlled glazing support energy efficiency and comfortable internal conditions.
Designing for the Surroundings
Set in Bournemouth’s Talbot Woods, the design responds to its woodland surroundings with natural textures and subtle detailing. A cantilevered form avoided new groundwork, protecting urban green space and biodiversity across the tight site.
The massing was modelled to reduce visual impact and protect neighbouring amenity, ensuring planning approval was secured smoothly.
The extension quietly enhances the leisure centre’s civic role, sitting comfortably behind the original structure without competing with it.
Leaving a Positive Impact
The new gym spaces improve accessibility and encourage community use, supporting physical and mental wellbeing.
Following its success, the project led to further civic commissions with BHLive and Portsmouth City Council.
A Sensitive Extension to a Civic Building
Originally constructed in the early 20th century with Art Deco and Neo-Classical influences, the centre’s historic fabric remains integral to its identity. Footprint’s design introduced a new first-floor extension, added above a 1990s gym addition, to increase functional space without compromising on heritage. The volume was modelled to minimise its visual impact on neighbouring residential properties, carefully balancing civic scale with local context.
Materiality and Respectful Expansion
The extension is clad in a blend of charred and natural timber, a subtle nod to the site’s woodland surroundings and its etymological roots (‘stoke’ meaning to fuel with wood). These material choices balance warmth and durability, while perforated panels and discreet window placements control solar gain and light spill to protect neighbouring amenity.
Glazing and rooflights are tactically placed to preserve privacy and enhance internal daylight. Internally, the approach using exposed timber elements, natural light, and uncluttered finishes promotes focus, wellbeing, and low visual noise.
Seamless Coordination, Trusted Delivery
Delivered under a traditional contract, Footprint led the scheme from planning through to completion. A carefully coordinated documentation set, prepared pre-tender, enabled smooth contractor procurement and helped return the project within budget. During construction, regular site inspections ensured compliance with programme, quality benchmarks, and statutory obligations. A robust Design & Access Statement ensured unanimous approval with no formal objections.
The Stokewood Leisure Centre project demonstrates how contextually sensitive interventions can update civic assets for modern use without losing sight of their original community purpose. By fusing historic character with inclusive, healthy design and modular delivery, the scheme secures the site’s long-term role as a vibrant community anchor.
Interested in upgrading your heritage community facility with modern, sustainable spaces? Talk to us about your project.
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