COMMUNITY PROJECT

Canoe Lake Leisure Tennis Pavilion

The vision for the Canoe Lake Leisure Tennis Pavilion was to create a truly public building as part of a substantial regeneration project for Southsea Common. An example of enlightened philanthropy, the building was funded entirely by local donors for the benefit of the local community.



The existing clubhouse was derelict, asbestos-ridden, the target of repeated vandalism and fenced off unsafe for public use. The building is situated by a public path which was subject to persistent vandalism.

The new Tennis Pavilion has been a resounding success and the flagship facility at Canoe Lake Leisure's philanthropic project in Southsea. The design has allowed for a high degree of flexibility, enabling the hosting of a variety of events, activities and meetings; sometimes simultaneously.

All images from Pad Studio

A key aspect of our brief to the design team was to create a new building which was sustainable, both in the build and in its day to day usage. Using an air source heat pump rather than a gas boiler ensures that all visitors enjoy a comfortable environment while minimising our energy use.

Mesh Energy undertook a feasibility study to consider the different energy options available for the building. Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) was explored however deemed unsuitable due to the flexibility the building offers with room layout. An Air Source Heat Pump was selected as the most suitable renewable technology for space heating and hot water along with underfloor heating. The building was also future proofed to be able to add solar PV and battery storage at a later date. LED lighting was used to ensure nighttime lighting is energy efficient and this measure has improved the security along the public footpath whilst keeping costs down. 

We have successfully completed:

  • Feasibility study
  • Tender specification review

Project architect:

PAD Studio

Project info here

Project Status:

The project is complete.

We have LED lighting throughout the building, internally and externally. The external lighting has provided a level of security which is required in a public park, using the LED lighting has allowed us to keep our energy costs low.



The feedback from the visitors and customers has been unanimously positive, we are delighted the community are embracing the services we offer at the Pavilion.

John Cook CEO of Canoe Lake Leisure