Mace sees new Southwark Council Leisure Centre reach full height

The Canada Water development has celebrated a significant construction milestone with main contractors Mace, as the building known as A2 – to be known as the Dock Shed – having reached its full height. 

Mace is building A2 as part of the development being carried out by British Land and AustralianSuper.

It will provide a brand-new leisure centre, over 180,000sqft of new workspace, and the first part of a buzzing new high street offering local people new places to enjoy a drink or a delicious meal .  

The design concept for Plot A2 is that of a “modern warehouse”.  It takes its inspiration from the historic ‘deal’ (timber) sheds of its dockside setting. The striking, functional and repetitive form of the deal sheds has strongly influenced the approach to façade composition, materials and detailing. 

Once complete, the new Southwark Council Leisure Centre will include a new eight-lane, 25m swimming pool, a learner pool, a four-court sports hall, a 150+ station gym, two dance studios, a spin studio and a dedicated soft play area. 

British Land puts high priority on the development providing local services to support existing residents, as well as those who move into the area as the development grows. 

The leisure centre will host a wide range of activities for people who live and spend time in the area, to help local people live active and healthy lives.  

The construction of Plot A2 has seen Mace employ eight previously unemployed people from the Southwark area to date, and this is expected to increase by the end of the year. 

Ged Simmonds, Managing Director for Commercial Offices and Residential at Mace Construct, said: 

“The topping out of Dock Shed at Plot A2 is an exciting and important milestone for the Canada Water project. This building will be home to a new leisure centre, offices and retail spaces which will be enjoyed by locals and visitors to the area alike. We look forward to completing this landmark Southwark building so that those benefits can be realised.”

James Turley, Project Director at British Land, said: 

“Plot A2 will offer a wide range of activities for people who live, work and spend time in the area. Not only does this mark the beginning of a brand-new high street, the first in a generation in London, but we’re also providing valuable new local services such as the new leisure centre. We’re committed to ensuring our development supports active and healthy lifestyles both by providing new public spaces, and by supporting access to leisure and recreational facilities for everyone to enjoy. We are delighted to bring forward this modern facility to support the evolving health and wellbeing offer here at Canada Water.”

Cllr Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Leisure and Parks at Southwark Council, said: 

“It’s so exciting to be one step closer to residents enjoying the new state-of-the art leisure centre at Canada Water. We’re delighted to celebrate this progress in the same month as we are taking back management of all our leisure centres to allow us to continue supporting more people to live healthier lives. “We want everyone to be within easy reach of life’s essentials within thriving neighbourhoods, including green spaces, a choice of shops and services, and excellent health and fitness facilities. At Canada Water, this ambition is already becoming a reality.”