Approval bagged for £59m Swadlincote leisure, offices
South Derbyshire District Council has rubber-stamped proposals for a 56,000 sq ft leisure centre and 30,000 sq ft of municipal offices off William Nadin Way.
The plans, approved on 2 June, will see the existing Green Bank Leisure Centre replaced by a new two-storey facility including a six-court sports hall, swimming facilities, gym, fitness studios, café and flexible community spaces. The council will occupy the new offices.
The plans have attracted some criticism since being put forward earlier this year – as evidenced by comments here – but SDDC believes the eventual removal of the dated leisure centre and offices at Civic Way can kickstart town centre regeneration, on which BDP and AspinallVerdi have been appointed to advise.
SDDC’s project was designed by CPMG, working with a professional team including planner Carney Sweeney, landscape architect Ares, Betts Ecology, Cadence Projects, Hexa, Chord Cobnsult, ACA Acoustics, and Coreus Group.
The plans were amended from the original iteration, with the proposed sports hall being expanded from the original concept design, creating a larger, future-proofed facility, capable of supporting a wider range of activities.
Cllr Robert Pearson, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “This is a hugely exciting milestone for the project and for South Derbyshire. These proposals will deliver modern, high-quality leisure and community facilities that residents can be proud of for generations to come.
“What is especially positive is that the scheme has continued to evolve through meaningful engagement with local people, sports clubs and community groups. The decision to increase the size of the sports hall demonstrates that we have listened carefully to the feedback we received and responded positively to it.
“This development represents a major investment in health, wellbeing, sport and the future of Swadlincote.”
Alessio Granata, senior architect at CPMG, said: “The plans for Swadlincote Leisure Centre showcase a futureproofed design, one that will support the local community for years to come. Working alongside the council and our project partners, we’re now in a position where we will soon begin to see our design come to life – which is incredibly exciting.”
Enabling works are expected to start this summer, aiming for an opening date in spring 2028.
The proposals can be viewed on SDDC’s planning portal with the reference DMPA/2025/1723.
