Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington, in the London Borough of Bromley, has reopened following a £17m transformation designed to secure the long-term future of the public leisure asset and reposition it as a community wellbeing hub.
The investment by Bromley Council has delivered a new competition-length swimming pool, training pool and children’s splash wall, while the gym has been expanded and upgraded with a new functional training area and equipment, including EGYM smart strength technology.
A new rehabilitation studio has also been created, featuring EGYM and InBody technology, to support health, wellbeing and active ageing.
Cllr Yvonne Bear, Bromley Council’s executive councillor for renewal, recreation and housing, said: “The stage is now set to reveal the incredible transformation of this much-loved leisure centre, funded and delivered by Bromley Council.
“We know how eager residents are to return and we have been doing all we can to complete this huge investment in the borough’s leisure provision as soon as possible.
“Residents will be able to enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities over the summer and long into the future, thanks to a whole host of works completed behind-the-scenes to secure this centre for Orpington.”
Steve May, CEO of Mytime Active, said the project reflects the changing role of leisure centres in supporting community health, saying: “We’re passionate about providing more than just leisure facilities; our aim is to offer a true community hub to better serve the needs of local residents for many years to come.”
May said the introduction of smart strength technology will help make strength training more accessible: “Strength training is incredibly important to build muscle that will help you stay strong, mobile and independent throughout every stage of life.
“With each workout personalised for every user, alongside a gamified screen to guide each movement, it’s like having a personal trainer built into the machine.”
A sauna and steamroom have been added to expand the centre’s recovery offer, while other improvements include new reception and café areas, a refreshed sports hall, new accessible facilities, including a Poolpod lift and Changing Places toilets.
Sustainability upgrades have also been central to the redevelopment, with a new low-carbon heating system replacing the centre’s fossil fuel-based infrastructure.
The project received £3.4m from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, as well as £296,000 from Sport England and £125,000 from the London Marathon Foundation.
The new heating system includes air source heat pump technology and is expected to deliver direct annual carbon savings of more than 970 tonnes of CO2e, with lifetime savings of more than 19,400 tonnes of CO2e.
The centre also offers swimming lessons, group exercise, group cycling, squash, soft play, sports hall activities and wellbeing services.
“The scale of this investment by Bromley Council means the whole community will benefit from outstanding new facilities,” said May. “Walnuts Leisure Centre will be a vibrant hub where people can improve their health and wellbeing, try out new hobbies, connect with others and enrich their lives – all under one roof.”
The works have been delivered by Alliance Leisure through the Leisure Framework, with Etec Contract Services acting as main contractor, alongside GT3 Architects and Varsity Consulting Project Management and Quantity Surveying.
Ruth Ripsher, delivery manager at Alliance Leisure, said: “We've worked closely with Bromley Council to bring forward a vision that secures the long-term future of Walnuts Leisure Centre.
“This project is about far more than bricks and mortar, it is about creating a high-quality, energy-efficient community asset that will support healthier lifestyles, social connection and local pride for generations to come.”
The redevelopment forms part of Bromley Council’s wider programme of more than £29m of investment to modernise its leisure estate, including the new West Wickham Leisure Centre, which is also being delivered with Alliance Leisure and Etec Contract Services.
