Behind the Scenes: Designing a Future-Ready Gym for Southwark Council

Behind the Scenes: Designing a Future-Ready Gym for Southwark Council

Southwark Council has opened the Canada Water Leisure Centre, a flagship facility with a gym designed around functional and strength training. This landmark project marks IndigoFitness’ seventh collaboration with the council, showcasing our ability to create bespoke, future-ready training spaces for local authorities.

“This project is about more than equipment, it’s about inspiring movement and setting a new benchmark for public sector gyms.” – Tom Hardining-Rooke, IndigoFitness

Transforming a Blank Canvas into a Community-First Gym

The new Canada Water site replaced the 60-year-old Seven Islands Leisure Centre, offering a blank canvas for innovation. The council wanted a facility that:

• Felt premium and accessible to all members.
• Supported both experienced lifters and first-time gym-goers.
• Integrated seamlessly with the MOVE brand identity.
• Addressed practical challenges, including acoustic performance and architectural constraints.

IndigoFitness collaborated closely with the council from the outset to ensure every design decision enhanced usability, aesthetics, and long-term flexibility.

Custom Solutions for Maximum Functionality

We delivered a gym that maximises functionality while maintaining open sightlines and flow across the gym floor. Key design highlights:

• Integrated Rack Systems: Bespoke racks with smith machines and dual adjustable pulleys (DAPs) to create variety while optimising space.
• Custom Functional Rig & Storage: Wall ball targets, cable systems, and storage solutions.
• Throw walls that wrap around steel pillars, making the most of existing building architectural design.
• Premium Free Weights & Benches: Consistent, high-quality equipment for all levels of user.
• Acoustic Flooring: 70mm Durasound tiles reduce noise and vibration in the free weights area.
• Stretch & Recovery Zone: Dedicated area to encourage holistic training habits.
• MOVE Brand Integration: Personalising the training space from flooring through the metal work and upholstery.
• Collar-Free Gungnir Bars: Unique features for local authority gyms.

This approach ensures functionality, flow, and member experience are at the heart of the design.

A Gym That Inspires Movement and Community Engagement

The completed Canada Water Leisure Centre gym delivers:

• A premium, functional, and future-ready space for local residents.
• Open, connected layouts that maintain energy and sightlines across the gym.
• Acoustic and design features that enhance comfort and usability.
• Flexibility for future expansion as community demand grows.

This project demonstrates how IndigoFitness turns public sector gyms into aspirational training spaces, strengthening partnerships and elevating local authority fitness standards.

Lessons in Designing Public Sector Gyms

For councils planning new gym facilities or refurbishments:

• Collaboration from the planning stage ensures outcomes that balance flooring, functionality, and community needs.
• Custom solutions can address unique structural or acoustic challenges.
• Prioritising functional and strength training future-proofs facilities for evolving member expectations.
• Thoughtful branding integration enhances community identity and engagement.

IndigoFitness’ experience delivering seven projects for Southwark Council highlights the value of partnering with specialists who understand gym design priorities for local authorities.

Explore the Full Canada Water LEISURE CENTRE Case Study

Want to see the full project details, gym flooring, equipment, and design solutions? Read the Full Case Study.