The multi-million-pound transformation of the Walnuts Leisure Centre is well underway, with the swimming pool now drained as part of the strip out works to ready the site for complete refurbishment.
The much-anticipated upgrade will deliver an improved gym and reconfigured changing rooms with new showers and lockers. A competition-length pool will be provided to benefit residents and swimming clubs alike, supporting Bromley’s position as a hub for regional sporting activity. A new exercise studio with power-assisted equipment is being created to provide support to those with mobility issues or undergoing rehabilitation. Works will also include essential repairs to the centre and the installation of a completely new heating system, which will reduce costs and help ensure the smooth running of the site.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “I know many residents will be excited to hear of the progress being made on site as we know how important this centre is to the residents that it serves. Transforming this centre is a significant investment that we have prioritised, not only to provide an important boost to the borough’s leisure provision, but also to complete essential works to help reduce our future maintenance liabilities, ensuring the centres serves Orpington and council taxpayers effectively for many years to come.”
Scaffolding is now being set up around the centre ahead of the more substantial phases of the works. The upgraded centre is set to open next year, following its closure in January to allow for refurbishment.
To minimise disruption during the works, Mytime Active, the borough’s long-standing leisure provider, is running a comprehensive programme of alternative leisure services, including group exercise classes, aquafit, indoor cycling, swimming and a fully equipped gym at the nearby Crofton Halls and Sports Centre, the Darrick Wood swimming pool and Biggin Hill swimming pool.
Steve May, interim Managing Director at Mytime Active, said: “The refurbishment of Walnut’s Leisure Centre is far more than just a fresh coat of paint, it’s an exciting multi-million-pound investment designed to transform the centre into a vibrant hub for our community, ensuring it remains a key resource for generations to come.
“We are committed to offering support whilst Walnuts is temporarily closed and have invested in a comprehensive wellbeing offering featuring all the same friendly faces our customers know from the centre, including personal trainers and health and wellbeing experts, to keep our Walnuts community together, positive and active. This includes the refurbishment of Crofton Halls and Sports Centre, which now boasts a gym and a full group exercise timetable, offering everything from HIIT to yoga. We have also increased class capacity at local venues and extended the opening hours at our local pools in Biggin Hill and Darrick Wood.”
The refurbishment at the Walnuts and at West Wickham Leisure Centre, where works are also underway, is being progressed with the council’s partner contractors Alliance Leisure, a specialist in leisure centre redevelopment, and sub-contractor Etec Contract Services.
Ruth Ripsher, Delivery Manager at Alliance Leisure Services said: “We’re excited to be getting underway with these works and delivering these leisure improvements based on our 25 years’ experience leading on over 260 high quality leisure centre redevelopments.”
Updates about the leisure centre works will be provided on the council website.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, Senior Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk.
About Mytime Active
Mytime Active is an independent charity and social enterprise on a mission to improve wellbeing in its local communities. Mytime Active strives to help people get more out of life through a range of more than 100 accessible services. These include swimming, golf, gyms, group exercise programmes, bowling, soft play, social events, childcare and health programmes at locations across Bromley, the Midlands and Hampshire.
Mytime Active’s family-friendly services cater to every segment of the community, from children and parents to young golfers and older members. It offers specialised and inclusive programmes for various groups including those with health conditions, disabilities, new parents, older individuals and young people, to ensure that everyone gets more out of life.
Mytime Active is one of the first leisure operators in the country to have been awarded The Active Standard (TAS) a new mark of excellence from ukactive, the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector. TAS demonstrates Mytime Active’s commitment to ensuring quality, safety and inclusivity for customers and staff.
Mytime Active reinvests all its profits back where it matters most, into facilities, services and programmes, as well as into community activities, for the long-term wellbeing of the local community.