New West Wickham Leisure Centre takes shape

Much major structural work has been completed at the new West Wickham Leisure Centre, as the landmark facility begins to take shape.

The new centre is being funded and delivered by Bromley Council, to ensure high-quality leisure facilities are available across the borough. Piling for the foundations has now been completed, with much of the steel frame for the centre now in place, as preparation works for utilities are underway.

As construction continues, residents will soon notice architectural detailing on the building that reflects the design of the new West Wickham Library, which reopened nearby last year.

The £22 million development will provide a modern, accessible and welcoming leisure destination for residents of all ages.

When complete, the new West Wickham Leisure Centre will include:

A new competition-length swimming pool and refurbished learner pool hall
40 per cent larger gym with state-of-the-art facilities
A family soft play adventure zone
A modern café and social space
New Changing Places and accessible toilets
Improved pool accessibility with a Poolpod lift to allow swift and easy access to either pools for those who may find it more difficult

Progress on site follows the reopening of transformed Walnuts Leisure Centre in early summer, which saw the borough’s leisure partner Mytime Active welcome more than 39,000 visitors in its first month alone.

Councillor Yvonne Bear, Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: "It is fantastic to see the new West Wickham Leisure Centre really starting to come together. The new facilities being delivered for local residents will support a major improvement in health and wellbeing for the borough. That is why we have prioritised this £22 million investment, despite the significant financial pressures facing local government and the ongoing challenges arising from Bromley's funding settlement.”

Steve May, CEO at Mytime Active says: "Our team at Mytime Active is excited to welcome the community through the doors at West Wickham Leisure Centre when it reopens. The response to the transformation at Walnuts Leisure Centre shows just how much local people value great leisure facilities on their doorstep. With a competition-length pool, a bigger gym, a soft play zone and a welcoming café, West Wickham will offer something for every age and ability, and we are proud to be working alongside Bromley Council to help more residents lead active, healthy lives.”

The new centre is on track to be completed by early 2028, which follows the demolition of the former centre that was deemed beyond economic repair after structural issues were identified.