A celebration for the reopening of the transformed Walnuts Leisure Centre took place in Orpington town centre on Thursday 2 July with crowds of residents joining for the festivities.
The Mayor of Bromley cut a ribbon to officially reopen the centre and residents were then able to explore the new state-of-the-art facilities that have been delivered from the £17m transformation of the centre by Bromley Council.
Demonstrations took place throughout the centre to give residents a sense of the new leisure offering at the Walnuts, which is now open again for regular use through Mytime Active, the borough’s longstanding leisure partner.
Following the works, the Walnuts Leisure Centre now includes:
- A new competition-length swimming pool and training pool
- Bright new reception and café areas
- Refreshed and newly marked sports hall
- A children’s splash wall for more family fun
- New sauna and steam room, for a relaxing post-workout
- Expanded two-level gym, complete with a functional training area and brand-new fitness equipment
- State-of-the-art EGYM smart strength training equipment, allowing adjustable workouts and supporting rehabilitation
- Completely new heating system to ensure reduced running costs
- Improved pool accessibility with a Poolpod lift to allow swift and easy access to either pools for those who may find it more difficult
- New Changing Places and accessible toilets
A range of special entertainment supported the reopening, organised by Orpington 1st BID, including acrobat performers and a New Orleans brass band. Various partners and leisure clubs also filled the market spaces in front of the leisure centre with interesting stalls and activities. Residents were able to make their own drink on a smoothie bike, enjoy an ice cream, marvel at Bromley FC’s League Two trophy, and polish up their own skills with football choreographer Mike Delaney.
The Mayor of Bromley Councillor Christine Harris said: “It was wonderful to see residents coming together for the occasion to welcome the leisure centre back to Orpington. Our leisure centres are so important, not only for improving our health but also in creating a sense of belonging for those who use them. I am sure residents will make the most of the impressive new facilities that the council have delivered in transforming this centre, which can now be enjoyed over the summer and into the future.”
Steve May, Chief Executive Officer at Mytime Active, said: “We are thrilled to welcome members and residents back to the transformed Walnuts Leisure Centre. For Mytime Active, this is about far more than reopening a leisure centre; it is about restoring a place that sits at the heart of the community and creating opportunities for future generations.
The significant investment made by Bromley Council has created outstanding new facilities that will help people of all ages improve their health and wellbeing, learn new skills, spend time with family and friends, and make lasting connections. Walnuts has played an important role in the lives of local people for many years, and we are proud to see it begin its next chapter as a vibrant community hub where residents can come together, be active and enrich their lives for years to come.”
Martin Price, Chair of Orpington 1st BID, said: "I welcome the reopening of the leisure centre. The increase in visitor numbers to the town centre has a direct impact on the economic wellbeing of the surrounding business community and we look forward to working in partnership to realise the benefits to both residents and businesses.”
The Mayor officially opened the centre in the presence of councillors, Mytime Active staff, local residents and members of the project team. This includes specialist leisure developer, Alliance Leisure and the main contractor, Etec Group, who delivered the works for the council.
Special activities are also being organised at Orpington Library across the weekend to continue the celebrations.
Find out more about visiting the new centre on the Mytime Active website, including membership offers for local residents.
Find further details about provision at the new centre.
For media enquiries, please contact James George, Senior Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk
Editor’s notes:
The works at the Walnuts have been supported by £3.4m from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, £296k grant from Sports England, and £125k from the London Marathon Foundation.