Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre

ARDEX Specification Powers Major Refurbishment at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre

Client: Fife Council
Main Tiling Contractor: Edinburgh Tiling Contractors
Project Duration: Summer 2024 – September 2025
ARDEX Support Team: Kyle McGuinness (Business Development Manager), Mick Bull (Area Sales Manager), James Hailstones (Training & Technical Support Manager)

Overview

Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre, a key community hub in Fife, Scotland, has reopened following a £7.8 million refurbishment.

The project, led by Fife Council and delivered by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, aimed to modernise the facility and enhance its accessibility, sustainability, and user experience.

The upgrade included a new gym, fitness studio, refurbished swimming pool and changing areas, a relocated library, and improved external features.

ARDEX played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of this project, providing a full tiling specification and technical support from start to finish, supporting tiling contractors Edinburgh Tiling Contractors throughout the project.

Key products used on the project included ARDEX X 11 W semi-rapid tile adhesive for pool tiling and pool surrounds and ARDEX EG 18 Plus three-part epoxy grout for pool and changing room grouting – providing chemical and hygienic protection.

ARDEX Specification Highlights

1. Swimming Pool Walls

• Preparation: Mechanised surface prep to expose aggregate.
• Products Specified:
  • ARDEX A 46 – Rapid Setting Repair Mortar
  • ARDEX AM 100 – Rapid Drying Tiling Render

2. Swimming Pool Floors

• Preparation: Bonded screed required.
• Products Specified:
  • ARDEX A 46 – Repair Mortar
  • ARDEX A 18 – Bonding Agent
  • ARDEX A 38 – Rapid Drying Cement
  • ARDEX R3E – Epoxy Primer (optional)
  • ARDEX K 301 – Concrete Resurfacing Compound (alternative method)

3. Waterproofing Pool Shell

• Products Specified:
  • ARDEX S 7 PLUS – Waterproof Membrane
  • ARDEX SK-12, SK-90, SK-270 – Sealing Tapes and Gaskets

4. Tiling to Pool Wall and Floor

• Products Specifed:
  • ARDEX X 11 W – Floor Tile Adhesive
  • ARDEX FLEX FL / FS – Grouts
  • ARDEX E G 18 PLUS – Epoxy Grout (for aggressive water conditions)

5. Drainage Channels

• Products Specified:
  • ARDEX AM 100 – Render for sides
  • ARDEX K 301 – Base Levelling
  • ARDEX CA 20 P – Flexible Adhesive and Sealant
  • ARDEX WPM 200 – Waterproofing Epoxy Membrane

6. Pool Surround

• Preparation: Clean and abrade existing tiles and brickwork.
• Products Used:
  • ARDEX AM 100 – Render
  • ARDEX X 11 W – Tile Adhesive
  • ARDEX FLEX FL / FS – Grouts
  • ARDEX E G 18 PLUS – Epoxy Grout

7. Changing Village (Wet & Dry Areas)

• Preparation: Mechanised surface prep and screeding.
• Products Used:
  • ARDEX A 46 – Repair Mortar
  • ARDEX A 18 – Bonding Agent
  • ARDEX A 29 – Rapid Setting Cement
  • ARDEX WPC – Waterproof Coating
  • ARDITEX NA – Smoothing Compound (dry areas)
  • ARDEX X 7 R / X 7 / X 11 W – Tile Adhesives
  • ARDEX FLEX FL / FS – Grouts
  • ARDEX E G 18 PLUS – Epoxy Grout
  • ARDEX ST – Silicone Sealant

Outcome

The Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre reopened to the public on 29th September 2025, delivering a modern, inclusive, and multi-functional space for the community. ARDEX’s comprehensive specification and technical support ensured the highest standards of durability, safety, and performance across all tiling and waterproofing elements.

This project exemplifies ARDEX’s commitment to supporting public sector refurbishments with innovative solutions and expert guidance.