Steel framework takes shape at £22m Bransbury Park leisure centre

Steel framework has been assembled at the site of a multi-million pound leisure centre as the project continues its rapid progress.

Bransbury Park is making way for a new £22 million centre, with construction ploughing ahead to create a venue that will accommodate two swimming pools, a gym, fitness studios and a GP.

In a recent Portsmouth City Council bulletin, it said steel fixers, who will be at the site in coming weeks, have “been hard at work getting an impressive section of the building in place”.

The steel structure in place is at its full height but is not yet at its full length, with the team further progressing the framework before taking a short break. They will return at later stages in the project to complete their work.

Huge concrete panels, known as L-beams, will form part of the outer structure of the building and help provide flood protection. With the site being located near the coast and has a high water table, preventative flooding measures are an essential part of the building's design.

These panels will be hidden when the building is complete as they will sit behind the external cladding and in front of the internal walls.

The main pool is also making waves with the pouring of the concrete base now complete ready for pouring the walls next. Brown structures called shutters are supporting the walls and sit against the steel reinforcement bars. They act as a mould, holding the concrete in place while it sets and prevents it from flowing away.

The team are now turning their attention to the learner pool and are finishing the steelwork that sits beneath the concrete. Once complete, the base can be poured and the pool will start to take shape.

It was previously confirmed the contractors, Willmott Dixon, are on schedule to have the new leisure centre complete by the end of next year where it will be taken over by BH Live which will operate and manage the site.