A beacon for regeneration of the town centre
Ashington Community and Leisure Centre, Ashington
Ryder Architecture for Northumberland County Council
Contract value: £16.45m
GIA: 6398m2
The need for new leisure centre was identified through local consultation, unifying previously separate facilities into a single combined entity and standing as a beacon for regeneration of the town centre, which it addresses.
Judges felt the scale of the large volumes, triple height entrance foyer and pool elevation with its triple height glazing, brought elegance and due emphasis to the entrance area. Internally, this triple height foyer acts as an internal street; and it’s here that the reception, library, café and soft play area are found.
Wet and dry areas in the centre have been carefully considered and separated without losing the visual connections between them across the foyer area. Detailing is simple and robust, using a controlled palette of materials; small touches, adding to a building that contributes to the social and economic sustainability of the town.
See the other winners of the RIBA Regional Awards 2016 – North East