Cranbrook Leisure Centre project progresses
Design work is underway for a new leisure centre, a key addition to Cranbrook’s expanding town centre, with proposals including a 25-metre and learner pool, gym, fitness studios, soft play, and a café.
Residents’ feedback will help shape the proposals for the new leisure centre, so that these facilities meet the needs of a growing population, expected to reach more than 20,000 people. Two engagement events are planned, with the first set to take place in early 2026. Following engagement with residents, the planning application for the leisure centre is expected to be submitted in Autumn 2026, with on-site work scheduled for Summer 2027.
The project involves collaboration with NHS Devon, who are developing the Neighbourhood Health Centre, and Devon County Council, who are working with East Devon District Council (EDDC) to build flexible spaces for library, youth, and family services within the leisure centre.
Experienced consultants have been appointed to take the leisure centre project through to the detailed design stages, ready for a planning application to be put forward. AHR Architects will work with Stantec for Engineering design, Roach Planning for Planning Consultancy, and Randall Simmonds for Quantity Surveying services.
These appointments, funded by the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, followed EDDC’s Cabinet recommendation on Wednesday 3 September 2025, and approval at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
Councillor Paul Arnott, Chair of Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone and Leader of East Devon District Council, said:
“Affordable, high-quality leisure and wellbeing facilities, within walking distance, will be much appreciated by Cranbrook’s growing community. The council recognises the importance of these services, and we are working quickly to progress this project.”
EDDC’s ward councillors for Cranbrook, Kim Bloxham, Kevin Blakey, and Sam Hawkins, added:
“This is an eagerly awaited milestone for our town and we’re very much looking forward to these key facilities opening. We encourage residents to share what they want to see in the upcoming engagement stage.”
Photo: Cranbrook Town Centre by Still Imaging
