Milestone hit as Bransbury Park work set to progress in April

Image above (from left to right): Imogen Bradfield, Assistant Site Manager and John Hill, Site Manager, from Willmott Dixon; alongside Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of the Council, and David Moorman, Sports and Leisure Strategic Development Manager at Portsmouth City Council.

Now that clearance work at the site has been completed, it has been confirmed that contractors will start what are known as ‘enabling works’ on site on the 13 April.

This marks a step forward for this flagship project, which will deliver brand-new swimming, fitness and healthcare facilities for local people in the south-east of the city. It will be operated by BH Live, as part of their recent 10-year contract extension with the council.

Willmott Dixon, one of the UK’s leading independent construction companies, has been appointed to carry out the work. The building will become home to a new 25m four‑lane pool, learner pool, 65‑station gym, and two group exercise studios, as well as new healthcare facilities. An improved artificial turf pitch and multi‑use games area will also be created at the north of the site, with free public access and floodlighting.

Image above: The site from the air, looking east. The new centre, artificial turf court and multi-use games court will be built on the existing paved area, just beyond Eastney Community Centre (the building with solar panels). The community centre will remain as it is and open throughout construction.

The enabling works include the installation of the site compound, hoardings and groundworks. In May, graphics will be added to the hoardings, which will include artwork from Year 5 children at Milton Park Primary School.

Cllr 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. These enabling works mean we’re one step closer to delivering a modern, accessible centre with swimming, fitness and healthcare facilities.

“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.”

Richard Poulter, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon’s South Region added:

“We are extremely excited to be starting work on delivering this activity hub for Bransbury.  Having delivered a number of successful leisure centres across the country, we are keen to bring our expertise to this project, delivering a modern building that will enhance the lives of the local community.”

The new play area is taking shape in the south-west corner of the park.

As part of the wider improvements across the park, a brand‑new fully accessible play area is now being built in the south‑west corner. It will include equipment for a broad range of ages, quiet and sensory zones, accessible surfacing, and new planting. This is expected to be finished by July.

The council has invested over £40 million in sport and leisure facilities over the past decade, including at the Mountbatten Centre, Pyramids, KGV Football Complex, because physical activity brings clear benefits for mental and physical wellbeing for residents.

The new centre at Bransbury Park is due to open in winter 2027.