Architectural firm Holmes Miller has submitted detailed plans for a modern leisure center in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, designed to replace the current aging facility that first opened in 1966. The comprehensive proposal, submitted on July 11, outlines a two-story, 32,724-square-foot facility that will serve as a cornerstone for the community's recreational infrastructure.
The new leisure center will feature extensive amenities designed to meet diverse community needs. Plans include a 25-meter, six-lane swimming pool equipped with a spectator terrace for events and competitions. The facility will also house a comprehensive wellness suite featuring both sauna and steam room facilities, a fully equipped gymnasium, a fitness studio for group classes, and a multipurpose games hall that can be converted into an events area for community gatherings and special occasions.
Environmental sustainability stands at the forefront of Holmes Miller's design philosophy for this project. The architectural firm has emphasized an eco-friendly approach deeply inspired by Passivhaus methodology, though the project does not fully conform to official Passivhaus standards. The building will incorporate cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies including thermal zoning systems, solar energy gain optimization, and air-source heat pumps to minimize its environmental footprint and operational costs.
The building's exterior design will showcase vertically corrugated metal cladding, specifically chosen for its tactile rhythm and dynamic interaction with natural light throughout the day. Holmes Miller has carefully curated the elevations to maximize daylight penetration into interior spaces while creating seamless visual continuity between internal and external environments, enhancing the overall user experience.
Accessibility represents a critical improvement over the existing facility, which has faced significant criticism for its inadequate accommodations for people with disabilities. The new design prioritizes universal access and inclusive features specifically intended to support independent use and ensure equitable participation for all community members, regardless of physical abilities or limitations.
South Lanarkshire Council secured the initial funding of $29.8 million for the project in early 2024, though the budget has since been increased to nearly $34.8 million to accommodate enhanced features and rising construction costs. The council has established an ambitious timeline, aiming to begin construction by summer 2026 with completion targeted for summer 2028, representing a two-year construction period.
The construction approach will follow a carefully planned phased strategy to minimize disruption to community services. Holmes Miller has designed the project to allow portions of the existing building to remain operational during construction phases, with complete demolition only occurring once the new facility is fully operational and ready to serve the public.
Reflecting on the project's significance, Holmes Miller stated: "The replacement of the aging leisure center marks a critical step in enhancing the town's recreational infrastructure. Drawing upon a strong legacy of industrial heritage and evolving demographic needs, the new building fuses modern architectural thinking with environmental stewardship and social equity. Designed with long-term flexibility and civic identity in mind, the center will serve not only as a fitness hub, but also as a gathering place, a social anchor, and a benchmark for public architecture in Scotland."
The project team includes several specialist consultants working alongside Holmes Miller as the lead architect. Oobe will serve as landscape architect, while Blyth & Blyth will provide structural engineering expertise. Wallace Whittle has been appointed as mechanical and electrical consultant, and Thomas & Adamson will handle both quantity surveying and principal designer responsibilities. BAM has been selected as the main contractor, with funding secured through public sources via the Hub Framework through Hub South West, with a total project cost of $34.4 million.
