2-879-425 - Historic England Archive/Heritage Images

Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Fairfield Road, Kingston upon Thames, London, 30/11/1983. The beach and lagoon zones of the swimming pool at Kingfisher Leisure Centre, with the acoustic absorbent panels suspended from the roof structure above. In April 1982, a turf-cutting ceremony marked the symbolic start of construction of a new leisure swimming pool, squash courts and cafeteria at Fairfield Road for the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. The scheme design and detailed brief had been provided by the borough in December 1981. The main swimming pool hall was designed to approximate an outdoor pool setting, with a large curvilinear form, shallows accessible by wheelchair, a waterspout, waves and a beach area. A lane zone for competitive swimming and separate teaching pool were also housed in the building. The main pool and beach were lit by natural light through the roof and vertical glazing. Acoustic absorbent panels were suspended from the roof structure; these also contributed to a simulation of outdoor noise dispersal. The completed pool, known as the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, was handed over to the Mayor on 2nd December 1983.