The centre is intended to form an integral part of community life within Clapham. It is located within the urban centre of Clapham high street, and is well served by public transport. The site is within a densely populated urban environment and it replaces the original community baths that previously stood on the site and includes a block of flats within the development to enhance the area’s residential opportunities.
The entrance to the leisure facility is located on Clapham Manor Street, and has been deliberately located to maximise its street frontage, and visibility. The use of glass around the ground floor of the building is a deliberate gesture to promote permeability and public interest in the building.
Given the intended public use of the building the interior layout of the building has been designed to be an as generous as possible, in order to cope with the large volume of people that move through it. The material specification has been carefully developed to ensure that the surface finishes within the building are able to cope with the rigours of community use.
Whilst allowing the building occupants freedom of movement, the Reception area has been carefully laid out to ensure that the access of the building is restricted to authorised building users. It allows permit holders to enter the building freely, but guides day visitors to pass the reception area, allowing access to be monitored throughout its daily use.
A generously laid out Fitness Suite has been provided at ground floor with cardiovascular equipment and free weights provided. This area is easily accessed by wheelchair users, and there is a dedicated accessible shower and WC serving this area. The specialist equipment in this area includes physical therapy machines.
There are two pools within the centre, a 25 metre 6 lane main pool and a training pool. Both have moveable floors and dedicated fixing points for pool hoists.
Additional facilities include:
2 Community rooms/studios
A 4 court sports hall
Climbing wall
Community information point