With newfound appreciation for places that bring communities together following the pandemic, the judges felt this practical and elegant redevelopment project was a deserved winner, demonstrating excellent use of public funds to benefit a community.

 

Many local communities in Hackney experience significantly higher health inequalities and deprivation compared to other London boroughs. In response, Britannia provides high quality sports facilities in a building that is inclusive and accessible to all, to address barriers the community face in participating in sport and movement.

 

The project combines a 25m swimming pool, a training/SEN pool, toddler pool and splash deck in a welcoming community hub. Britannia also provides a gym, sports courts and pitches, a soft play area, creche and café.

 

Engaging local people was at the heart of the brief and the approach to design. School children, students, local sports teams, disability groups and local trusts participated in community events and design consultations to shape a leisure centre that would reflect one of London’s most diverse boroughs. This included consultation with Project Indigo, a local LGBTQ+ youth group, to design inclusive signage and changing facilities.

Benjamin Prosky, Executive Director of AIA New York and judge of the New London Awards 2022 said: “As we recover from the pandemic, and once again gather to be social and recreate, we have a new appreciation for well-designed public amenities. This is why the Britannia Leisure Centre, stands out. A practical yet elegant project, that deploys public funds to benefit a community with a public facility that adheres to the highest standards of design excellence.”

 

Georgina Robledo Padilla, Associate Partner at RSHP and judge of the New London Awards 2022 said: "The Britannia Leisure Centre with its smart stacking of leisure facilities, sustainable and inclusive approach and elegant civic presence stands proud as example of what good masterplanning can deliver to the community."

“Britannia Leisure Centre is not just an excellent amenity for the local community, it is a fine piece of city-making and a public building of great presence - a first class piece of civic architecture.”