Kensington Leisure Centre

LA architects were selected through competition to design a new facility to replace the existing 1970's Leisure Centre. The design responds to the complex requirements of a restricted urban site, with new sports and leisure accommodation arranged over three floors, around a central circulation hub.

The design allows site area to provide an enabling residential development, together with a new public space addressing the Centre and the adjacent Academy development. The internal hub provides direct connection to the Centre’s facilities, offering visitor's clear orientation with dynamic views into and through each space.

“Kensington Leisure Centre opened to the public on 2 March 2015 and is the result of a £29.4m investment from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Work began back on site in December 2012 and the new centre replaced one built in the mid 1970’s, which replaced the Victorian Lancaster Road baths. Despite a major refurbishment in 2001 the facilities were simply not tailored to the health needs and pastimes of local people.
Obviously, work started with LA architects before then when they were officially appointed in October 2011 to design a new leisure centre. So LA architects (LAA) as a specialist and expert in the delivery of sports and leisure buildings had the task to come up with an innovative design. Working with LA architects, I was struck, not only with the dedication and creativity shown, but the experience of the team.
As the Client, I was impressed by the design skills and perceptive approach shown. LA architects kept focus to ensure the design project was delivered on time.
Thanks in small part to LA; I believe we have a centre, which is one of the finest in the capital.
I would be more than happy to discuss with any potential future Client of LAA my positive experience of working closely with this company.”
Christopher Allen – Leisure Manager Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
  • Client − Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
  • Location − Kensington, London
  • Status − Completed
  • Structural Engineer − Curtins
  • M&E Consultant − Max Fordham
  • Landscape − Churchmans
  • Quantity Surveyor − Appleyards Limited