Designs for a new leisure centre to take the place of the demolished Kingfisher have been released.

Created by architects Robert Kimbrick, the council describes the designs as "modern and sustainable," with "accessibility and inclusivity [remaining] key features".

An "affordable" two-storey building has been proposed after previous designs clocked in at nearly double the project's intended budget.

Cllr Alison Holt described the new centre as meeting "the highest standards of quality," adding: "We are going through all of the necessary processes to bring the project forward as quickly as possible."

There will be a final set of public engagement events for residents to give feedback and learn more about the project before the scheme will be submitted for planning permission in Autumn 2024.

Documents outlining these events indicate the council is hoping to begin construction in 2025 in response to public feedback that shows locals want the delayed leisure centre "as soon as possible".

Facilities in the new design include:

• Eight lane swimming pool and teaching pool with spectator seating 
• Four court sports hall
• Studio spaces
• Gym
• Squash courts
• Soft play area
• Cafe

New pedestrian links between Fairfield Recreation Ground and a main entrance facing towards the town centre have also been changed over its predecessor.

A number of improvements to the outdoor areas around the site have been proposed too, such as a community garden, upgrade playground, a garden for the neighbouring Kingston Museum, and even an orchard.

Proposed improvements to the outdoor portions of the design from a previous public engagement event in January. Architects Roberts Limbrick say the design's landscaping will create

The previous Kingfisher leisure centre was shut in 2019 and demolished in 2022 after it was estimated vital repairs to its roof would have cost over £5m.

An initial design of a replacement was first estimated to cost roughly £40m, before reaching £79.5m which Kingston's Liberal Democrats controversially blamed on "economic turmoil" caused by Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss.

This was quickly rebutted by Kingston's Tory councillors, citing poor management from the Lib Dem-led council.

"We told you, and you refused to listen, and you paid the price, and quite frankly, the residents of Kingston are paying the price for that as well," declared Conservative Cllr Ian George in a committee meeting on 14 March.

The first design of the new leisure centre which was cancelled after going nearly £35m over budget. (Photo: Kingston Council)

The design will be all-electric, using a combination of solar panels and heat pumps to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, a standard used for measuring the sustainability of new buildings.

Pellikaan, a Dutch construction company who also operates a chain of health clubs in the Netherlands, has been revealed as the construction partner for the project.

The firm is working on similar complexes in the UK, such as Camberley Leisure Centre and Sheerwater Leisure Centre in Woking.

By including the company in these earlier design stages, Kingston Council say they can give "better assurances around costs and [the construction] programme" than with previous designs.

The site in March 2024. It has been left empty since being demolished in the summer of 2022, 21 months ago. (Photo: Oliver Monk)

Work on this new design was approved unanimously by councillors on 14 March, expected to cost £2.59m with a contract from Alliance Leisure. Nub News has reached out to Kingston Council for an update on the project's cost so far.

Kingston Council initially announced five engagement events where the public can view the new design in greater detail.

However in a tweet on 28 May, the council said the engagement sessions have been delayed until July due to the calling of a general election.

While the new dates are yet to be confirmed, RBK said online engagement will open on 8 July, delayed from the original date of 30 May.

The dates of the original engagement sessions are below, but are no longer applicable.

• Thursday 30 May, 4pm to 7pm @ Everyday Church, 46 Union St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1RP
• Saturday 01 June, 11am to 2pm @ Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, KT1 2PT
• Wednesday 12 June, 5pm to 8pm @ The Malden Centre, Blagdon Road, New Malden KT3 4TA
• Friday 21 June, 12pm to 3pm @ Chessington Sports Centre, Garrison Lane, Chessington, KT9 2JS
• Saturday 22 June, 11am to 2pm @ Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, KT1 2PT