Preparations for the multi-million-pound refurbishment to the Walnuts Leisure Centre are progressing on a revised schedule, with the entire centre due to close prior to building works in January 2025.
The much-anticipated upgrade will include improvements to the gym and provide a reconfigured competition-length pool. A new studio providing power-assisted equipment will be introduced to support those with mobility issues or undergoing rehabilitation. A pool pod and a Changing Places facility will also be provided to enhance accessibility. The changing rooms will be upgraded with new showers and lockers, and a completely new heating system will be installed to secure the centre for the future.
The revised schedule will see the refurbished centre reopen in early 2026. Although options to keep the pool open during the early stages of the works were extensively explored, intrusive surveys and design work have revealed that this will not be feasible due to the nature and configuration of the mechanical systems in the pool area that heat the whole building. The reconfigured pool at the Walnuts is being delivered based on feedback, including input from local swimming clubs looking to improve their training and competition capacity. This upgrade will help position Bromley as a hub for regional sporting activity.
Mytime Active, the borough’s long-standing leisure provider, has implemented a comprehensive programme of alternative leisure services to minimise disruption during the closure period. Nearby locations, such as Crofton Halls and Darrick Wood Swimming Pool in Orpington, will offer a range of activities, including swimming lessons, a fully equipped gym, and group exercise classes, ensuring residents and customers can continue enjoying fitness and leisure services.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “The significant investment at this centre is a huge boost to the leisure provision in Orpington and for the entire borough, improving local health and wellbeing over the long term. I thank residents for their understanding during the revised closure period, which we have unfortunately been unable to minimise further. I know that our partners Mytime Active will be providing relocated services during the closure period and more details about this will be published shortly. Residents will then be able to enjoy major improvements once the works have secured the centre for the future.”
Jason Stanton, CEO, Mytime Active, says: “We are excited about the future of Walnuts Leisure Centre. This refurbishment isn’t simply a lick of paint, it’s a multi-million-pound investment that will make this centre a focal point for wellness in the area, future-proofing it for generations to come.
“Even though Walnuts Leisure Centre will be temporarily closed during the council’s refurbishment, this does not mean the classes and activities our customers love will be stopped. Mytime Active is committed to supporting our Walnuts community during this time by continuing to deliver the same great wellbeing experiences. We will relocate our customers’ favourite activities including the gym, exercise classes and swimming lessons to convenient locations, all staffed by the same friendly, familiar faces from the usual Walnuts Leisure Centre team.
“We will be in touch with our customers soon to provide further information about service changes and the relocated programme during the refurbishment.”
The £35m refurbishment of both the Walnuts and West Wickham leisure centres is progressing following Executive approval earlier this year. These upgrades will aim to significantly enhance the facilities at both centres, ensuring they meet the needs of the local community.
Alliance Leisure, a specialist in leisure centre redevelopment, is leading the projects and regular updates about the progress will be provided, including on the council website.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, Public Affairs, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk.