Construction to Kingston's long-awaited new Kingfisher Leisure Centre officially began on Wednesday morning (11 June).

And to mark the milestone, Kingston Councillors along with the council's Chief Executive Sarah Ireland, its construction partners, Pellikaan, and Alliance Leisure, held a groundbreaking ceremony.

Kingston councillors Cllr Kirsch, Cllr Holt, and Cllr Wehring were joined by Pellikaan's Director Gert-Jan Peeters, and Alliance Leisure's Business Development Manager, Steve Rose, at the ceremony (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Among the Kingston Councillors were Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture, Cllr Andreas Kirsch, Chair of Kingston & North Kingston Neighbourhood, Cllr Olly Wehring, and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Leisure, Cllr Alison Holt, who gave a speech to mark the occasion.

Cllr Holt said: "I am delighted we've reached this moment. This is a significant point in the journey, and I'd like to thank all involved for getting us here. We know it's taken longer than we wanted after plans had to be revisited, but it's great to get going today on what will be a huge addition to the borough.

 "Residents told us what they wanted to see, and we are now in the exciting position of being able to deliver on that vision. The new centre meets the needs of our communities as well as helping us to deliver on our sustainability targets, improving a key site in the town centre and creating additional public and play spaces for all to enjoy."

Cllr Kirsch added: "This is a huge investment in Kingston's future that we are proud to make.

"We have worked hard to bring forward this scheme as swiftly as possible, and we can now move with confidence into the next phase of creating this landmark project, which has been shaped by our community and will serve them for decades to come."

Cllr Kirsch was keen to climb aborad Pellikaan's digger (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Enabling works to the site began last month (May) and the ground has already been dug up for the 25m, eight-lane swimming pool and learning pool.

The ground has been dug up for the centre's two swimming pools (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

After the old Kingfisher Centre shut in 2019 and was demolished in 2022 , Kingston Council approved plans for the centre in February this year.

Designed to be welcoming, accessible, and sustainable, the new leisure centre will provide a wide range of activities for residents of all ages and abilities.

It will feature a 25 metre, eight lane swimming pool, a teaching and learning pool, a large fitness gym, three multi-purpose studios, a sports hall, squash courts, a health suite, soft play area and café.

CGI of the planned new leisure centre in Kingston (Credit: Roberts Limbrick/Kingston Council, provided in Kingston Council documents)

Both pools will have moveable floors to provide easier access for people with disabilities.

In addition to these indoor spaces, the plans include enhanced landscaping and public spaces around the centre, with new planting, seating, improved play area and pedestrian links to Kingston Museum, Library and the surrounding town centre.

With a target opening date in Spring 2027, construction of the Roberts Limbrick designed building is being led by specialist contractor Pellikaan and delivered via Alliance Leisure's UK Leisure Framework.

Alliance Leisure's Steve also had a go sitting on the digger (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, said: "This is the largest project we've ever delivered through the UK Leisure Framework.

"With a clear brief from the council to deliver the highest quality facilities within a carefully managed budget, we've brought together a team with a proven track record of success.

"We're delighted to be moving into construction and look forward to seeing the building begin to take shape."