Case study

Around £20 million to support Houghton Regis leisure and community hub

Around £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund will support the building of a new leisure and community hub in Bedfordshire.

Artist’s impression of the proposed facilities at the Houghton Regis leisure and community hub.

New leisure facilities

New facilities in the Houghton Regis leisure and community hub will include:

  • a community facility for residents to gain new skills
  • an eight-lane pool
  • a learner pool
  • squash courts
  • a fitness studio
  • a creche
  • a children’s play area
  • a new public space

Lisa White, Head of Leisure, Central Bedfordshire Council:

The LUF funding will deliver a fantastic new community and leisure hub to reinvigorate this area of Houghton Regis.  Its strategic location will support cohesion of the existing community with the adjacent major housing developments. The new centre will include excellent leisure provision, community spaces and a café, which together with an outdoor fitness trail and play features will offer significant health and wellbeing benefits for residents of all ages.

Residents needs are central to funded improvements

Carol Butler, local resident:

This funding is very badly needed for the town of Houghton Regis. We are stagnating in this modern age with outdated facilities. This investment in modern facilities that residents can be proud of is very welcome.

Funding will also support the following improvements:

  • new parking and drop off areas
  • new paths for pedestrians
  • new cycleways

Residents will continue to have access to the existing leisure centre while the new one is built. Construction of the new centre began in February 2023, with the opening due to be in 2024.

Find out more about Levelling Up.

Published 17 January 2023