A CLASSIC sitcom’s Ringwood setting served as inspiration for a talented artist from Northampton to recreate the town’s leisure centre entirely out of Lego.
Residents on social media have been unanimous in their praise for a Lego creation from artist Rob Smith which depicts Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre.
Northampton health worker Rob has previously built television landmarks like the Queen Vic pub from EastEnders out of Lego, and says he was inspired to create the Ringwood site while rewatching one of his favourite shows – The Brittas Empire.
Rob told the Echo: “I’ve been doing Lego buildings for years, custom stuff with no instructions – it’s all done from eye.
“I like to build things that people haven’t built before.”
It was while working on a cinema multiplex that he thought of facilities often associated with such complexes and landed on leisure centres.
He added: “I started googling leisure centres and didn’t really find one I liked. Then, by chance, I was watching TV and The Brittas Empire was on – I thought, that’ll do.
“I got in touch with the centre and they sent me a couple of pictures to help.”
Constructing the Parsonage Barn Lane site took Rob three weeks and he says he is “very pleased” with how it turned out.
Hundreds reacted positively to a social media post showcasing Rob’s creation. One person wrote: “Certainly put a smile on my face, well done.” Another said: “Gordon from The Brittas Empire would love this.”
These thoughts were echoed by Leisure Centre manager Mark Jackson, who said: “I thought there was a really good likeness to the site. I’m impressed he managed to create that just out of Lego. A lot of our staff have shared it and it’s just nice to see someone recreate our unique building.”
Rob, 37, said he found the sloped shape of the roof the most difficult aspect of the recreation.
He will display his creation at an upcoming Lego exhibition show in Birmingham, after which he says he will keep it due to his fandom of the show.
The Brittas Empire aired for seven series on BBC One in the 1990s and filmed all its exterior and swimming pool scenes at the Ringwood complex.
Visit @chuckleslego on Instagram or Flickr.com/rh1985/sets for more.
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