In April 1982, a turf-cutting ceremony marked the symbolic start of construction of a new leisure swimming pool, squash courts and cafeteria at Fairfield Road for the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. The scheme design and detailed brief had been provided by the borough in December 1981. The main swimming pool hall was designed to approximate an outdoor pool setting, with a large curvilinear form, shallows accessible by wheelchair, a waterspout, waves and a beach area. A lane zone for competitive swimming and separate teaching pool were also housed in the building. The main pool and beach were lit by natural light through the roof and vertical glazing. Acoustic absorbent panels were suspended from the roof structure; these also contributed to a simulation of outdoor noise dispersal. The building was entered via the first floor, where there was a cafeteria, kitchen and bar. Changing rooms, squash courts, sauna and solarium were located adjacent to the swimming pool on the ground floor. The completed pool, known as the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, was handed over to the Mayor on 2nd December 1983.
This image was catalogued as part of the Breaking New Ground Project in partnership with the John Laing Charitable Trust in 2019-20.
This is part of the Series: JLP01/10 John Laing Photographic Collection Colour Negatives and Transparencies; within the Collection: JLP01 John Laing Photographic Collection
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
Late 20th Century Recreation Centre, Late 20th Century Swimming Pool, Leisure And Recreation
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