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Willmott Dixon has started early works in Swansea on the new National Institute for Sport & Health.

And it is soon to move on site for Gravesend鈥檚 new Cascades Leisure Centre.

The National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH) is a four-storey development for Swansea University, being built at the entrance to Swansea Bay Sports Park. It is funded through the Swansea Bay City Deal, with support from Swansea Council and local health boards.

Work to replace an existing pavilion on the site at Sketty Lane started last month and full construction begins in the coming weeks.

Pick Everard is project manager, working alongside architects Powell Dobson.

The 2,000 sqm facility is designed to bring together public, private and academic sectors undertaking research and development in sports and health. NISH promises to support start-ups and scale-ups to drive product development. It will also provide an anchor for a wider Science and Innovation Park. 聽

鈥淭he National Institute for Sport and Health will help put Swansea 鈥� and Wales 鈥� on the global map for cutting-edge research, product development, and community health innovation,鈥� said NISH director Keith Lloyd. 鈥淚t will serve as a catalyst for discovery, investment, and improved wellbeing.鈥�

The building is expected to open in 2027.

Meanwhile, in Gravesend in Kent, Willmott Dixon and Gravesham Borough Council are moving forward with early site activity to prepare the ground for a new 拢43m leisure centre. Demolition works will start in early spring, clearing space for the new centre and preparing the site for setup.

The new Cascades Leisure Centre will replace an existing ageing facility. Plans include a 25-metre pool, a 17-metre learner pool, aqua play and water flume area, spectator seating, a six-court sports hall, multi-level soft play zone, party and community rooms, and a caf茅.

Willmott Dixon was first announced as the council鈥檚 construction partner in September 2025, when it was appointed for the pre-construction phase via a direct award through the Pagabo framework.

Richard Poulter, Willmott Dixon鈥檚 managing director in the south, said: 鈥淭his is an exciting moment because people will start to see activity on site. The new leisure centre will be an outstanding facility for the local community, combining sustainability with exceptional family-friendly spaces.鈥�

Willmott Dixon has built more than 160 leisure facilities in the past decade, including 108 swimming pools.

The opening of the new Cascades Leisure Centre in Gravesend is expected in 2028.

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