AECOM and Faulkner Browns Architects tasked with new Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre design

Hounslow Council announced that AECOM, in partnership with Faulkner Browns Architects, will lead the design and planning work for a replacement of the Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre. The appointment marks a concrete step towards delivering a new facility that reflects the needs of Brentford residents.

Design team and proposed facilities

The appointed consortium will develop detailed proposals, handling both technical specifications and planning applications. Their brief includes a modern leisure complex to replace the centre that has been in use since 1987. Draft concepts feature swimming pools equipped with moveable floors, interactive water-play zones, a larger gym, a sports hall, fitness studios, upgraded changing rooms and dedicated family and community areas.

Community input and wider regeneration

Council officials said the project forms part of the "Fairer Future" agenda, intended to boost opportunities for healthy, active living. After an initial engagement phase in 2024-25 that attracted over 900 participants, the council identified swimming facilities, accessible fitness options and family-friendly spaces as top priorities.

The leisure-centre scheme also sits within a broader regeneration programme that includes new housing and improvements to the surrounding public realm. Income from the residential component is expected to offset part of the leisure centre’s cost, reducing the borrowing the council would otherwise need. While the new building is being planned, the existing Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre remains open, with no closure date announced.

Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, remarked that the centre has served the community for nearly four decades but is now ageing and no longer fit for purpose, and that the new development will meet the growing requirements of the area. Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Public Realm, highlighted the role of local leisure facilities in promoting health and wellbeing, and pledged to keep listening to residents as plans evolve. Residents seeking more information or wishing to contribute to the upcoming consultation can visit the Let’s Talk website’s Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre page.