Plans to redevelop the Gurnell Leisure Centre site have been approved by Ealing Council’s planning committee.
At last night’s meeting (Wednesday 15 January), the committee agreed on the plans, including a 50-metre swimming pool, which would make it one of only 3 Olympic-sized indoor pools in London, with one of them in Northolt. Plans also include a new gym, climbing wall, much-needed affordable housing and more.
This marks a big step forward in the council’s Gurnell masterplan, which reflects the thoughts and comments made during a 2-year consultation that started in 2022, asking residents what they would like to see in the new leisure centre and around the site.
As a result of this, the site would offer a new wet area, including a waterpark, slides, and lazy river, as well as exercise studios, a soft play area and café. The plans also include a new skate park, cycle track, outdoor gym, and children’s playground.
Outline planning permission has also been given for around 300 homes by the committee, with around a third of them being classed as affordable.
And, to retain the greenery and develop the area’s biodiversity, hundreds of trees would be planted around the site.
‘A major step forward’
Council leader Peter Mason said: “The Gurnell Leisure Centre was not just a hub for health and fitness – it was the face of leisure for multiple generations of the community. Thousands of children across the borough learnt to swim there, while for others it provided an opportunity to exercise, unwind, and socialise with friends and family.
“With the new plans being approved, we’re pleased that we’ve taken a major step forward in providing a new venue that can continue the Gurnell Leisure Centre’s legacy on an even larger scale. Residents of all ages and abilities can visit, putting a focus on improving their health and wellbeing.
“We’re proud to say that the new site is just the latest example of the council’s investment into high-quality leisure spaces across Ealing.”
Gurnell Leisure Centre opened in the 1981 until it closed in 2020 at the start of the first COVID-19 lockdown, when a decision was made not to reopen the building because it required major work and investment.
Plans for the centre had been on hold since 2021 after a previous proposal for a new centre at the site was rejected by the council’s planning committee. New proposals were submitted in May 2024 after residents were invited to give their feedback on the revised plans.
‘Opportunities for the community’
Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities said: “The approval of the new leisure centre by Ealing Council’s planning committee represents a milestone achievement.
“The current plans were carefully crafted with 3 of the council’s priorities in mind: health and wellbeing, economy, and sustainability. While the new leisure centre will provide facilities for residents to prioritise their health and engage in sports, the exciting proposal offers a boost to the local economy and will supply new employment opportunities to the community.”
Next steps
The committee’s decision will now go to the Greater London Authority for review, before planning consent can be granted. If successful, the council will appoint a contractor to start the works.
If the GLA approves, demolition is expected to begin in spring of this year and building work will start later in the year, with the centre set to open in 2027/28.
