Leybourne Lakes

Key Features

We have completed construction of a new eco friendly watersports hub at Leybourne Lakes Country Park in Kent.

The new facility comprises a cafe, toilets, and facilities for renting kayaks, paddle boards, and other equipment for watersports on the lakes.

These works were completed to a very high specification with numerous environmental and carbon saving innovations.

A water source heat pump was used to provide heating to the new building from the lake itself.

Tesla batteries were also installed to allow for energy storage.

Solar panels have been installed to power the underfloor heating, along with recycled composite decking, which is part of the veranda.

As part of our commitment to innovation and sustainability the spoil from the foundations was redistributed around the park and landscaped to blend with the existing environment.

Challenges and Solutions

As this is a busy public park with numerous other facilities and attractions around the working area of our site.

Careful coordination of logistics and public safety was therefore required.

Deliveries and collections were scheduled outside of peak times to avoid risk to the public and also to minimise disruption for those using the park.

Deliveries were conducted by a banksman from the park entrance to our site with suitable drop off and turning areas cleared in advance.

A full environmental and biodiversity survey was conducted to account for all flora and fauna on site to ensure that the new building and our works did not pose a risk to the environment or any pre-existing habitats.

Cllr Des Keers, the council’s cabinet member for community services, said: “Visitors to the park have wanted a purpose built café for many years, so I’m delighted we’ve finally been able to deliver one and also in such an environmentally friendly and cost effective way. Whether you’re a walker or a watersports enthusiast, this is a major boost to the appeal of the park.”