Camden Council has received a grant from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to make improvements to Talacre Community Sports Centre. Works will be taking place within the existing centre to expand and upgrade the existing centre response to increased demand and local needs. We want to create an upgraded centre that is sustainable, multi-purpose, and accessible for everyone.
We want to keep you informed about the project and how access to the facility will change during the construction works. These works are due to begin on the 9 December 2024 and complete in Summer 2025, and will be carried out in three phases.
We want to keep services running as much as we can, however the centre will look and feel different during the improvement works. There may be temporary reception areas and routes to your activity during the works but these will be clearly signposted. If there are any changes to your classes or activity, we will let you know in advance. You can also speak to centre staff if you have any questions.
Timetable
Dates given below are indicative and subject to change. Further updates will be provided.
Phase one – Monday 9 December to Late January 2025
Contractor site set-up and relocation of reception, you may see builders around Talacre and a temporary reception.
Phase two – Late January 2025 to May 2025
This is when the majority of the remodelling will take place. Access to all facilities will be available excluding the changing rooms, which are being refurbished.
Phase three – May 2025 – Summer 2025
New café constructed, relocated staircase and lift, entrance remodelled. Talacre will be accessible, and no facilities will be affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this project happening?
The proposed improvements are necessary to upgrade and modernise the Talacre Community Sports Centre which was built in 2002 and to meet the increasing and unmet demand for services from the known needs of the community.
How long will the work take to complete?
The likelihood is the construction work to upgrade and refurbish the sports centre will take between 6 to 9 months, starting in December 2024 and completing in Summer 2025.
What will the project achieve?
- An additional 100 square meters gymnastics floor space.
- A new 115 square meters multi-purpose exercise studio.
- A new multi-use space for a variety of functions.
- A flexible classroom space with a moveable wall.
- Improved access to the park.
- Accessible toilets for users of the centre and the park.
and to upgrade:
- Upgraded changing rooms.
- Upgraded reception area and cafe facilities.
What is the anticipated cost of the project?
The anticipated cost for the project will be in the region of £3.7m , with the majority of the funding coming from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Will the Sports Centre need to close for the works to be undertaken?
The sports centre will be kept open throughout the construction period by adopting a phased approach to conduct the works. However, there may be short periods where certain parts of the centre will have to close to accommodate some of the work where any such periods will be kept to a minimum. Any such closures will be communicated to customers ahead of time. There may be occasions when the work will be carried ‘out of hours’ when the centre is normally closed.
How will the remodelling proposals address accessibility?
The design proposals are in compliance with Building Control Regulations on accessibility and use of public buildings and Sports England guidance. The points highlighted below provide examples of the improvements which have been incorporated in the design proposals:
- New entrance offers additional step free route into the building from the Cantelowes Gardens
- A new staircase and lift will be conveniently located to allow easy access to the entire centre.
- Main entrance will have new wide automatic sliding doors for ease of access.
- Corridor allows for wheelchair store outside the Accessible Changing Rooms.
- New entry system barriers will include a wide gate for wheelchair users.
- An additional Accessible Toilet will be included on the ground floor at the entrance to cater for park visitors.
- Seating will be provided to the Café area of the lobby, which the current centre does not have.
- Changing room will be upgraded to include an ambulant shower, bench and toilet.
Who is likely to benefit from the project?
The beneficiaries of the upgraded and refurbished sports centre will be the widest possible cross section of the community where a range of activities and courses will be promoted in the newly created multipurpose studio spaces. Furthermore, Talacre Town Green users will have available the use of fully accessible toilet facilities and café when visiting the public realm.
Dalby Street is congested with poor parking and broken paving causing trip hazards. Will this be improved as part of the project?
Dalby Street is a private road and not part of this project. We are however in contact with the owners to encourage them to make improvements for public safety. Alternatively, the Council will use the cash deposit secured from the Legal Agreement when the development took place to conduct the required works. To this end the Council has already conducted a Road Safety Assessment for Dalby Street.
Will the Town Green be closed while works are being completed?
We expect the Town Green to remain open during the completion of the works. Small sections of the park, including the entrance off Dalby Street may be closed for some periods to allow works to be safely completed. We would work to keep these periods as short as possible.