Article written and published by Portsmouth City Council on Thursday 24 September 2026.

A major construction milestone has been reached at Portsmouth City Council's new healthcare and leisure hub in Bransbury Park, with the main structural works to the swimming pools now complete.

The completion of the pool shells mark a major step forward in the development of the new centre, which will bring swimming, fitness and healthcare facilities together in one location. The new centre will include a swimming pool, learner pool, gym, fitness studios and GP surgery, helping create a modern community facility for local residents.

Over recent months construction teams have excavated the pools, installed extensive underground pipework and balance tanks, and poured the concrete structures that form both pools. With the pool structures now complete the project moves into its next phase, with work under way on the main building structure that will house the new facilities.

The milestone means visitors can now clearly see the scale and layout of the future swimming facilities which will play a central role in the new centre.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:

"The completion of the pool structures is a significant achievement for the Bransbury Park project and brings us another step closer to providing modern, high-quality facilities that will benefit residents for years to come.

"The new centre will create opportunities for people of all ages to be active, learn to swim, improve their health and wellbeing, and enjoy sport close to home."

Representatives from Portsmouth City Council, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, local healthcare partners, Willmott Dixon, Mace and BH Live gathered on site to celebrate the milestone.

The milestone also provided an opportunity for partners to see progress on the new GP surgery that will form part of the healthcare and leisure hub. The surgery will bring primary care services into the development helping create a facility that combines health, wellbeing and leisure services in one location.

Director for Neighbourhood Health at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, James Roach, said:

“I am very pleased to see the progress being made at Bransbury Park. It is so important that we ensure healthcare services are sustainable and at the heart of our communities and this development has that aim at its core. We can be proud of what is a real neighbourhood health centre for the local population.”

Willmott Dixon, the contractor delivering the project on behalf of Portsmouth City Council, is continuing work across the site as construction progresses towards completion.

Richard Poulter, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon Construction South, said:

“This milestone is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the delivery of this project, that will enhance the local health and wellbeing in Bransbury.

“At Willmott Dixon, we have extensive experience in delivering successful leisure centres across the country and we are enjoying bringing our experience to Bransbury Leisure Centre, working collaboratively with the Council to provide a modern and accessible facility serving generations to come. I am looking forward to seeing the continued progress on this project.”

The project is bringing together a range of partners with Willmott Dixon delivering the construction works, Mace providing project management and consultancy services, and BH Live set to operate the completed leisure centre alongside healthcare partners.

The new centre forms part of the council's ongoing investment in sports and leisure facilities across the city and will provide a welcoming destination for swimming, fitness, health and community activities.

To stay up to date with the latest from Bransbury Park, visit portsmouth.gov.uk/bransburypark