Leisure centre will not re-open after lockdown
EALING COUNCIL TO PRESS FORWARD WITH PLANS FOR GURNELL REDEVELOPMENT
GURNELL Leisure Centre will not re-open as lockdown eases unlike other sites in the borough because it is “not financially viable”, council bosses have said.
Government guidance allowed leisure centres, gyms and swimming pools to re-open from Saturday, July 25, but Ealing Council said the old centre, which is earmarked for redevelopment, could not continue to be subsidised by the authority due to the Covid-19 impact.
Northolt, Acton, Dormers Wells leisure centres and Southall Sports Centre are expected to re-open soon with new Covid-19 measures in place. And for Gurnell, council chiefs are focussing on its “ambitious plans” to rebuild the site in partnership with developer EcoWorld.
Finance and leisure boss Bassam Mahfouz told councillors in a virtual full council meeting on July 21 that he expected the redeveloped centre, subject to planning permission, to re-open in February 2024.
He added: “When completed the redevelopment will deliver a brand new state of the art leisure centre with a 50m pool, 10 lanes...But also in addition to that new and improved facilities on site, a new skate park, new BMX track, and affordable homes all subsidised by the enabling development that we hope to put on part of the site, and through the Mayor’s housing fund.”
Consultation is underway for the planning proposals which includes 600 homes in Perivale.
As of Monday, July 27, 1,279 comments have been received for the scheme but just 12 comments are in support of the development.
Residents objecting have raised concerns over the loss of green space, and that the 17-storey building will be “out of character” and dominate the area.
One objector warned it was an “intensive and intrusive” development.
Cllr Mahfouz added: “The new facility would offer a great space to keep local residents fit and active and could be enjoyed by the whole community for many years to come.
“Alongside much-needed new homes being built at the site, we want to deliver a fantastic new centre, making best use of the limited land available to us. We encourage anyone with an interest in the future of the leisure centre to take part in this consultation.”