Mountbatten Leisure Centre
The refurbishment of Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth was part of a £6.6 million investment by Portsmouth City Council. The project upgraded the facility and replaced its ageing roof and building systems. Works were delivered in phases, allowing the centre to remain operational and maintain access to key leisure and community services. Public areas, including the café, function rooms, and activity spaces, were refurbished to enhance the user experience and futureproof the building.
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Client: Etec Group
Sector: Leisure Centre
Scope: Drylining, Suspended Ceilings & External/Internal SFS Systems
Location: Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Portsmouth
GA Interiors was appointed by Etec Group to deliver a comprehensive package of drylining, suspended ceilings, and SFS installations. The works formed part of the major refurbishment of Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth.
The project is part of a £6.6 million investment by Portsmouth City Council. The aim was to replace the ageing roof structure and upgrade key building systems. This ensures the long-term sustainability of the facility.
The works were delivered in carefully managed phases. This allowed the leisure centre to remain open and continue providing essential health and wellbeing services to the local community.
GA Interiors commenced works in January 2025 and completed in February 2026, in line with the programme. The scheme included the refurbishment and reopening of several areas. These included the café, function rooms, and soft play facilities. Additional upgrades were also carried out to activity spaces such as the squash courts and Clip ‘n Climb area.
Scope of Works
• Installation of M/F ceilings and bulkheads with tape and joint finish
• Dot and dab wall linings to office areas with tape and joint finish
• Installation of Zentia lay-in grid ceilings with Prestige Tegular 24 (600 x 600 tiles) across café, soft play, corridors, offices, function rooms, escape stairs, cycle studio, squash court, and clip and climb studio
• Installation of Zentia lay-in grid ceilings with Hydrabloc tiles (600 x 600) to wet areas including kitchens and W.C.s
• Installation of Shaftwall systems around the sports hall, with Rockwool ablative batts fitted to all service penetrations
• Installation of SFS systems mirroring the Shaftwall using Klasse 12.5mm A1 gypsum G-board
• Installation of 240mm Rockwool Flexi insulation between Shaftwall and SFS
• Installation of 100mm soffit slab to external soffits
• Installation of external SFS with Klasse 12.5mm A1 gypsum G-board, including perimeter support rails
Challenges & Solutions
The project was delivered within a live leisure environment. Careful planning and phasing were required throughout. This helped to minimise disruption while keeping key areas open to the public.
Maintaining safe access to operational facilities was essential. This included the gym, swimming pool, and athletics areas. Close coordination ensured works progressed without affecting day-to-day use.
The project covered a wide range of environments. These included wet areas, high-traffic zones, and specialist activity spaces. Suitable systems were selected for each area. Moisture-resistant ceilings were used in wet areas. Fire-rated and acoustic systems were installed around the sports hall.
The integration of Shaftwall and SFS systems required precise detailing. This was especially important around service penetrations. Rockwool ablative batts were installed to meet fire safety requirements while maintaining progress on site.
Externally, works had to align with follow-on trades. The SFS framing and tophats were installed in sequence. This ensured the cladding package could be completed without delays.
