London’s historic Porchester Centre, home to the city’s oldest spa, has reopened with enhanced facilities and access for residents and visitors
London’s historic Porchester Centre, home to the city’s oldest spa, has reopened after a £3 million refurbishment aimed at enhancing its facilities and expanding access for residents and visitors.
The Grade II listed building, operated by the council’s leisure partner Everyone Active, now boasts a range of upgraded amenities. These include a 30-metre swimming pool, two workout studios, a three-level main gym, and a newly introduced women-only gym. The spa facilities, which feature two steam rooms, a sauna, cold showers, and three Turkish baths, remain integral to the centre.
A key part of the renovation focused on the gym, where seven new pieces of equipment, including leg curl and hip extension machines, have been introduced in response to customer feedback. The addition of the women-only gym provides a dedicated space for female visitors seeking a more comfortable workout environment.
In the swimming pool area, a new heat-retaining cover has been installed to improve energy efficiency, while structural enhancements, including ceiling reinforcement, ensure the facility’s longevity. The walls and ceilings of the balcony area have been repainted in keeping with the 1920s aesthetic. Additionally, an air source heat pump has been installed, expected to cut the centre’s carbon dioxide emissions by 60% annually.
Further upgrades include the main workout studio, which has undergone a transformation with new flooring, walls, mirrors, and state-of-the-art equipment. These improvements have increased the studio’s capacity from 14 to 30 spaces and expanded the weekly class schedule from 49 to 54 sessions. Among the new offerings are women-only classes aimed at supporting those experiencing depression and other mental health challenges, as well as boxing classes making use of the newly installed equipment.
Councillor Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, hailed the refurbishment as a major boost for Westminster residents. “Porchester Centre is an iconic part of Westminster, and this extensive refurbishment will ensure more people from all communities can access top-quality facilities to stay active,” she said.
“I am particularly proud of the addition of the women-only gym and classes, which will encourage more women and girls to engage with our leisure services in a space where they feel comfortable.”
Sanquest also highlighted initiatives for older residents, including the ‘Begin to Gym’ programme in collaboration with Open Age, which helps over-55s return to fitness. Other offerings include senior swimming sessions three times a week and a variety of classes such as Qi-Gong and Zumba tailored for older adults. Furthermore, 150 hours of free or low-cost classes are now available each week as part of the Neighbourhood Sports Programme, further reinforcing the centre’s commitment to accessible fitness opportunities for all.
