Work is set to begin to “enhance and modernise” Guildford Spectrum
The first phases of Guildford Spectrum’s modernisation programme has begun, with a lot set to change in Surrey’s flagship leisure centre(Image: Guildford Borough Council)
Guildford Spectrum is set for an exciting new mini golf facility as part of its extensive modernisation programme supported by Guildford Borough Council (GBC) and long-time operators Freedom Leisure.
Last week, GBC announced that the first phase of its programme to “enhance and modernise” the Spectrum Leisure centre is set to get under way including the construction of a new “exciting, tech-enhanced, high-energy, interactive” mini golf experience.
The news of the modernisation programme comes after a new long-term contract for Guildford’s leisure facilities was awarded to Freedom Leisure with this set to entail nearly £10 million of investment into the borough’s facilities, specifically the Spectrum.
The first phase of this programme is set to begin with GBC announcing last week that it and operators will be working with specialist provider, Greenspan to deliver an interactive indoor mini golf experience suitable for all ages in the Spectrum, to be known as Puttify.
Speaking on the start of work, Cllr Vanessa King, Lead Councillor for Economy and Place, said: “Guildford Spectrum was the first centre of its kind in the UK, and these ambitious plans are a big step forward in delivering better value and better services for our communities.
“By modernising and enhancing this much-loved asset, we’re making sure Spectrum remains truly unrivalled. I’m genuinely thrilled about this investment and what it will mean for the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of residents and the thousands of visitors who choose Guildford for sport, fun and family time.”
Future improvements to Spectrum could include a new soft-play area, swimming area enhancements and a refurbished gym(Image: Woking Titles)
Greenspan describe its Puttify facilities, which can be found across the country, as “the future of mini golf”. Taking advantage of smart technology in its facilities to remove the need for paper and pens when keeping score, as well as create new, modern ways of playing mini golf.
With the first phase of improvements set to begin, there are a number of other enhancements to Spectrum as part of Freedom Leisure’s £10 million investment into Guildford.
Council documents from July 2025 detail what future improvements to Spectrum leisure centre could entail:
Adaptations to the main receptionRedesigns and refurbishments to the three main catering outletsIntroduction of a state-of-the-art soft play facility to replace the undersized existing soft play provisionExpansions and re-designs to the existing gymInstallation of a new interactive water splash pad and play area within the Leisure pool
Investment funds are also set to be put into Guildford Lido, also operated by Freedom Leisure, to deliver a new pilates and yoga studio, tennis and padel courts and a sauna cabin.
Speaking on the contract, and the forthcoming investment into Spectrum, Ivan Horsfall Turner, Freedom Leisure CEO said: “We are absolutely delighted, as a not-for-profit leisure trust, to have been awarded the contract to manage Guildford’s leisure facilities for a further ten years.
“This long-term commitment allows Freedom Leisure and GBC to jointly invest in the Guildford leisure facilities that play such an important role in community life.
“We have exciting developments planned for both Guildford Lido and Guildford Spectrum with significant upgrades and these investments will create vibrant, inclusive and inspiring spaces where people of all ages can be active, connect and enjoy outstanding leisure experiences for many years to come.”