Fit out works are now underway at the Walnuts Leisure Centre, while most of the main construction works have been completed for the multi-million-pound transformation of the centre.
The centre will have a new competition-length pool, bright new café and reception areas, and an improved gym when it reopens, which remains on track for this Spring.
Reconfigured changing rooms with new showers and lockers will also be delivered as part of the major £17m refurbishment, alongside essential repairs and a completely new heating system that will also reduce running costs at the centre. A new exercise studio with brand new state-of-the-art EGYM smart strength training equipment will also be provided, which allows residents to safely and efficiently adjust workouts to their body and strength levels.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “I was absolutely delighted to see how the works at the Walnuts Leisure Centre are progressing and the remaining fit out works will be even more transformative to the look and feel of this much-loved centre. I know residents are eager to return and see this transformation for themselves and we look forward to welcoming you all back soon, to enjoy the benefits of this incredible investment for Orpington and the borough’s leisure provision.”
The visit to view progress at the Walnuts Leisure Centre was attended by Councillor Bear, the Ward Councillors Kim Botting and Pauline Tunnicliffe, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Colin Smith and Gareth Bacon MP.
Steve May, Chief Executive Officer at Mytime Active, the borough’s long-standing leisure provider, said: “We are incredibly excited for the launch of the new centre following its multi-million-pound investment.
“The new EGYM equipment is like having a personal trainer built into the machine, with each workout personalised for every user, alongside a gamified screen to guide each movement. It has been a huge success at our other centres, The Pavilion and the Spa at Beckenham, and we can’t wait for our Walnuts members to try it out. Strength training is incredibly important to build muscle that will help you stay strong, mobile and independent throughout every stage of life. Along with all the other major improvements, the new look centre will offer a vibrant hub for the local community for generations to come."
Specialist leisure developer Alliance Leisure is continuing to deliver these important works for the council, Etec Group, the main contractor.
Ruth Ripsher, Delivery Manager at Alliance Leisure Services said: “Having supported Bromley Council throughout this project, it is incredibly exciting for Alliance Leisure to enter this final stage and bring the building to life. This is a crucial piece of the build as it directly impacts the user experience of the new leisure centre, something we take huge pride in getting right. With the current timeline in mind, we’re thrilled to bring this construction close to completion, providing an incredible centre that will serve Orpington for generations.”
Further details about these leisure centre works and the works at West Wickham Leisure Centre are available online.
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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.
For media enquiries, please contact James George, Senior Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk