July 23 2025

Detailed plans for a replacement Larkhall Leisure Centre have been submitted, with an emphasis on accessibility, energy efficiency and facilities.

Holmes Miller Architects, on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council, has designed the centre around a 25m pool, augmented by a gym and games hall.

Drawing upon Passivhaus principles without pursuing certification, the cross-laminated timber building is oriented for maximum solar gain with interiors carefully configured to minimise heat loss by thermally segregating the pool from other elements.

Outlining their approach Holmes Miller wrote: "Circulation spaces are used as thermal buffers, reducing the transfer of heat between zones. The partitions between these zones are designed with high-specification U-values to ensure thermal separation. These insulated barriers minimise heat loss/ transfer and contribute to the building’s overall energy performance. The design and placement of plant and service infrastructure are carefully considered to avoid unnecessary penetrations across thermal zones, ensuring that the integrity of the separation is maintained."

Replacing open ground south of the existing facility, the two-storey structure will be composed primarily of corrugated metal, selected for its texture and dynamic appearance under changing light. Large areas of curtain walling draw light to the pool area and include a continuous glazed band across the ground floor.  

6 Comments

#1 Posted by MiniLad on 23 Jul 2025 at 17:54 PM

Looks fantastic, long overdue spend in South Lanarkshire. I was beginning to think the Council had long given up on new investment.

#2 Posted by FHM on 23 Jul 2025 at 22:12 PM

Did AI create the interior visual as the reflections in the water from the person sitting down and the random object in the foreground are incorrect. They suggest the person and object are sitting on water, rather than a solid surface. 2/10.

#3 Posted by TheFakeArchitect on 24 Jul 2025 at 11:42 AM

"Drawing upon Passivhaus principles without pursuing certification"...
I'll definitely be using that one :)

#4 Posted by Mary Douglas on 24 Jul 2025 at 13:01 PM

It's about time Larkhall got some up graded stuff we are fed up getting everything that Hamilton is done with (eg Christmas Decorations) we need something for the young ones a soft play as well and something for teenages as well.

#5 Posted by JAMES THOMAS DOWLING on 24 Jul 2025 at 19:30 PM

Will there be a soft play area.Steam room,Sauna,and Jacuzzi.

#6 Posted by Welcome addition on 25 Jul 2025 at 09:53 AM

Sauna and Steam room but no soft play. Full application here: https://publicaccess.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=SZ8Y34OPHDX00

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