Work is due to begin to make the site of Gurnell Leisure Centre more secure and reduce anti-social behaviour.
Hoardings will be put up to deter trespassers and vandalism. Contractors will also be removing old fixtures and fittings from the leisure centre which closed in 2020.
Earlier this year the council submitted a planning application with proposals to build a new leisure centre at the site. A new 50-metre swimming pool with a water park area, slides and a lazy river are proposed as well as a climbing wall, improved gym, exercise studios, soft play and cafe.
Skate park
Parkland around the centre would be transformed to create a new skate park, cycle pump track, outdoor gym and children’s playground. The development would also provide much needed new, genuinely affordable homes that are in keeping with the area and can help fund improvements at Gurnell.
Gurnell Leisure Centre was built in the 1970s and was not reopened after the pandemic. Previous studies found that the building was outdated and would have required major investment to bring it up to standard after the closure.
The new Gurnell masterplan proposals, unveiled in May this year, were developed following a two-year consultation with residents asking what they would like to see in the new leisure centre and area around the site.
‘First-class leisure centre’
Leader of Ealing Council, Peter Mason said: “We want to create a first-class leisure centre which changes the face of leisure in the borough for generations to come and provides excellent facilities for all ages. We know how much residents value having leisure facilities at Gurnell, which is why we listened to their feedback and ideas.”
Councillor Blerina Hashani, cabinet member for thriving communities said: “The proposals for the new Gurnell Leisure Centre are very exciting, offering residents of all ages and abilities the chance to improve their health and wellbeing. In the meantime, we are taking measures to deter vandalism and other anti-social behaviour by making the site more secure.”
The planning application is expected to be considered by the council’s planning committee later this year. If approved, the old centre would be demolished and construction would likely start in 2025, with the new leisure centre to open in 2027.
