Ealing Council approves plans for Gurnell Leisure Centre redevelopment, featuring an Olympic-sized pool, affordable housing, and modern community facilities.
Ealing Council has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to community wellbeing by approving redevelopment plans for the Gurnell Leisure Centre site. The plans, approved during a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, 15 January, aim to transform the ageing facility into a modern hub for health, fitness, and recreation, with facilities that cater to all ages and abilities.
Central to the redevelopment is the inclusion of a 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool, which will be one of only three such indoor pools in London, alongside the one already in Northolt. The new facility will also house a state-of-the-art gym, climbing wall, and a waterpark featuring slides and a lazy river. Additional amenities include exercise studios, a soft play area, and a café, making it a versatile space for families and individuals alike.
The project also includes outdoor recreational features, such as a skate park, cycle track, outdoor gym, and a children’s playground, designed to promote an active lifestyle among residents. In a bid to address the borough’s housing needs, the redevelopment will also provide around 300 homes, with approximately one-third designated as affordable housing.
The project also includes outdoor recreational features, such as a skate park, cycle track, outdoor gym, and a children’s playground, designed to promote an active lifestyle among residents.
The redevelopment reflects feedback gathered during a two-year consultation process that began in 2022. Residents were invited to share their thoughts on what they wanted from the new leisure centre and surrounding site, ensuring the plans align with community needs and priorities.
Council Leader Peter Mason emphasised the significance of the project, saying:
“The Gurnell Leisure Centre was not just a building; it was a cornerstone of our community. Thousands of children learned to swim there, and it was a place where people came together to exercise, relax, and connect. With the new plans approved, we’re thrilled to take a major step forward in continuing that legacy on an even larger scale. This redevelopment is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality leisure spaces that enhance the health and wellbeing of our residents.”
The original Gurnell Leisure Centre, which opened in 1981, was a much-loved facility that served the community for decades. However, it closed its doors in 2020 during the first COVID-19 lockdown, when the building was deemed in need of significant repairs and investment. A previous proposal for redevelopment was rejected in 2021, but revised plans submitted in May 2024 have now received the green light.
“The new Gurnell Leisure Centre will be a modern hub for health, fitness, and community connections, continuing its legacy for future generations.” – Peter Mason, Council Leader
Councillor Blerina Hashani, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, highlighted the broader impact of the redevelopment:
“The approval of these plans represents a milestone achievement. The new leisure centre will not only prioritise health and sports but also boost the local economy and provide employment opportunities. It’s an exciting opportunity to create a space that serves everyone in our community while supporting sustainability and biodiversity goals.”
The redevelopment also includes plans to plant hundreds of trees around the site, enhancing local greenery and biodiversity. This focus on sustainability aligns with Ealing Council’s broader environmental commitments.
The planning committee’s decision will now be reviewed by the Greater London Authority (GLA) before final consent is granted. If approved, demolition is expected to begin this spring, with construction set to start later in the year. The new Gurnell Leisure Centre is anticipated to open its doors in 2027/28, promising a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the community for generations to come.
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