The Spectrum, completed in 1992, is currently the UK’s most successful sports complex with in excess of 2million visitors each year. It was the result of design competition won by Mike Lawless and was completed under a design and build contract.
The building is designed on three floors with the visitor entering at the top level and then moving down through the building to use the facilities. This was the direct result of a 15m fall across the site and the need to lay large flat areas throughout.
The approach to the design was to break down the mass but to provide a building that integrated with the landscape and yet became a focal point for sport and leisure in the South of the England. It was completed on time and budget.
Pool facilities include an 8 lane 25m competition pool with spectator seating, a teaching pool, a diving pool and a free-form beach-style leisure pool with flumes and small slides for younger children bubble beds, water sprays and a wave machine.
