Sport in Portsmouth takes a huge leap forward as Bransbury plans approved

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Planning permission has been unanimously granted by members of Portsmouth City Council’s planning committee for a new health and wellbeing hub at Bransbury Park.

The modern facility will include a GP surgery, a 25-metre swimming pool, a learner pool, a gym, fitness studios, and new changing facilities for outdoor activities. This will be complemented by a new five-a-side pitch, a multi-use games area, and a playground for children.

Bransbury Park, which is already home to football facilities and a busy community centre, is located on several bus routes and is within walking distance of over 35,000 residents. It is also near five schools, which will be able to take advantage of the new learner pool.Being physically active helps you lead a healthier and happier life. Exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.

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Research also shows that physical activity can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality, and energy levels, as well as reducing your risk of stress. For these reasons, this new facility will be a massive boost for Portsmouth’s health and wellbeing.

A visualisation of the new leisure centre and GP surgery at Bransbury ParkA visualisation of the new leisure centre and GP surgery at Bransbury Park
A visualisation of the new leisure centre and GP surgery at Bransbury Park

The first stage of the build will be the new playground, which is set to be completed by summer 2025, before the construction of the new building begins. The Council hopes that hoardings for the new building will go up in autumn 2025, with the construction starting shortly thereafter.

Businesses on Eastney Road will benefit from increased numbers of visitors, boosting the local economy. The development also secures GP provision in the Milton area with new facilities for the Devonshire Avenue surgery as part of the new building, which was previously under threat.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of the Council with responsibility for culture, regeneration, and economic development, said:

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“A lot of hard work went into this planning application to make it the best it could be before it went to the planning committee. We listened to feedback and changed the plans accordingly. It’s been a long and complex process, but we are very happy with the result.

“As a Council, we are committed to investing in sport across the city because of the clear physical and mental benefits physical activity brings. This new facility paves the way to achieving our goals.”The Council has worked closely with architects GT3 and contractors Willmott Dixon to create a modern leisure centre that will offer a wide range of health and wellness activities.

Now that planning permission has been granted, Willmott Dixon, one of the UK’s largest privately owned contractors with a strong track-record for leisure projects, can begin the next stage of the design process before construction begins.

Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the south, said:

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“We’ve been working with Portsmouth City Council on the plans for the leisure centre at Bransbury Park and are pleased for the team to get the go-ahead as this will be a fantastic facility that supports the health, fitness and wellbeing of thousands of people in the local community.

“We are looking forward to bringing these exciting plans to life, and using local companies whenever we can during the build process.”In the new year, the Council will consult with residents on a new leisure use for the area for the Eastney Swimming Pool site. It will also review all the indoor sports facilities in the city to include usage, location, availability, accessibility, condition, and cost. This will enable it to consider the future of Wimbledon Park Sports Centre, now that alternative facilities are available nearby at Priory School through a community use agreement.

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