Willmott Dixon starts work on £40m Portsmouth leisure and healthcare hub

By Danny BallPublished On: March 27th, 2026Categories: Top Stories

Willmott Dixon has started construction on a new leisure centre and healthcare hub at Bransbury Park in Portsmouth.

The scheme, delivered for Portsmouth City Council, will provide a two-storey facility combining swimming, fitness and primary care services as part of wider investment in community infrastructure across the city.

The development will include a 25-metre, four-lane swimming pool, a learner pool, a 65-station gym and two group exercise studios. Healthcare provision will also be integrated within the building.

External works will deliver an upgraded artificial turf pitch and a floodlit multi-use games area, which will be accessible to the public.

The project has been procured through the Southern Construction Framework and is being delivered in partnership with GT3 Architects, Mace and the NHS.

Completion is scheduled for winter 2027. The scheme forms part of more than £40 million of investment by Portsmouth City Council into sport and leisure facilities over the past decade.

A groundbreaking ceremony held at the nearby Eastney Community Centre marked the start of construction.

Community engagement activity is already underway, with local primary school pupils contributing artwork for display on site hoardings during construction.

Industry and stakeholder comment

Richard Poulter, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon in the South, said: “We are delighted to be starting work on this important community facility for Portsmouth. Drawing on our experience of delivering more than 160 leisure centres nationwide – including over 100 swimming pools – we bring proven expertise in creating high-quality, accessible facilities that enhance local health and wellbeing.

“We will ensure that creating opportunities for the local community is at the heart of this project, working closely with local suppliers and supporting employment and training pathways throughout the construction phase.”

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “This is an exciting moment for the Bransbury Park project and for the communities who will benefit from this much-needed centre.

“The start of work means we’re one step closer to delivering a modern, accessible facility with swimming, fitness and healthcare provision. We apologise in advance that construction will cause some temporary disruption, and we are grateful to residents for their patience while we build a centre that will serve generations to come.”

James Wright, Head of the Southern Construction Framework (South East and London), said: “SCF is proud to support Portsmouth City Council and Willmott Dixon in delivering a facility that will have a lasting positive impact on the Bransbury Park community. This project reflects exactly why the framework exists – to enable public sector partners to deliver high-quality, sustainable places that enhance local wellbeing.”

Track record in leisure delivery

The project adds to Willmott Dixon’s portfolio in the leisure sector, with more than 160 centres delivered across the UK. Current projects include schemes in Bedfordshire and Westminster, alongside a planned redevelopment of the King Alfred Leisure Centre in Brighton.