On Thursday night (November 27) Bromley Council approved the new West Wickham Leisure Centre proposal which will see a brand new £22m centre built in place of the existing one.
Then on Friday (November 28), the council revealed a new look at the Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington which is set to open in Spring 2026.
Bromley Council secured planning permission for the transformation of Walnuts Leisure Centre in November 2024, with work beginning on the site in January this year.
The £17m refurbishment project will result in a new look leisure centre with new competition-length pool and leisure centre spaces, as well as an improved café and reception.
Essential repairs and a new heating system will reduce running costs for the site going forward.
The Orpington facility will also have reconfigured changing rooms with new showers and lockers, as well as an improved gym and a new exercise studio with brand new state-of-the-art EGYM smart strength training equipment.
According to Bromley Council: “This new equipment recognises user’s profiles and adjusts each workout to their body and strength levels, ensuring each session is safe and effective.”
Cllr Yvonne Bear, Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “I know there is great anticipation for the reopening of this much-loved leisure centre next year and I hope these new designs really give residents a sense of the complete transformation we are delivering for Orpington.
“This refreshed centre will be a huge boost to the borough’s leisure offering and will act as a hub for regional sporting activity while creating a welcoming space for families and visitors to enjoy, all while cutting our future maintenance liabilities on behalf of council taxpayers.”
For the West Wickham Leisure Centre, Bromley Council approved plans to demolish most of the vacant facility earlier this year after it was closed in early 2024.
Initially, the council wanted to retain more of the building than just its learner pool, but asbestos and structural issues led the council to pursue a more comprehensive rebuild.
The £22m rebuild project was given the green light by the council’s Development Control Committee on Thursday night.
The new two-storey centre will have a 25m, six-lane swimming pool, a café, soft play, gym, studio and unisex changing facilities. The council hopes it will be able to reopen the centre in early 2028.
Councillor Alexa Michael, Chairman of Bromley’s Development Control Committee, said: “This is a high-quality application, with an attractive design inspired by the newly reopened West Wickham Library. I was delighted that the committee could unanimously approve the application, which will significantly enhance the borough’s leisure provision. I am sure the new leisure centre will be much enjoyed by local residents once it reopens.”
The works at the Walnuts and West Wickham are being carried out with the council’s partner contractors Alliance Leisure, a specialist in leisure centre redevelopment, and sub-contractor Etec Contract Services.
Discussing Walnuts Leisure Centre, Alliance Leisure Services Delivery Manager Ruth Ripsher said: “Having supported Bromley Council throughout this project, it is incredibly exciting to see the work now coming off the ground.
“These new designs reflect a vision we have been working toward for some time, and as the development partner, we are proud to be turning those plans into a reality that will serve Orpington for generations.”