Ealing Council has revealed it will holding a public consultation starting in January 2024 for a new leisure centre and pool to replace the existing Gurnell Leisure Centre and is inviting residents to an information event to find out more of its plans. Following the consultation, the council says it will be submitting a planning application in spring 2024.
The move comes nine months after the council revealed its latest plans for Gurnell which residents and local community groups had concerns over.
The special event by the Labour-run council will see council officers reveal more about what it plans for Gurnell and will take place on 30 November 2023 between 6pm and 7.30pm at Perceval House in Ealing.
Councillor Peter Mason, council leader said: “As part of making plans for the future of Gurnell, we really have been listening to you, local residents, about what the future should be. And so far, almost 2,000 of you have engaged in that conversation with us. The great news is that we are now ready to share some plans about early designs for the future leisure centre and we really want to see what you think. “
The council says places to attend the information event are limited and residents need to sign up to attend. To attend email: EyreK@ealing.gov.uk
Councillor Polly Knewstub, cabinet member for thriving communities added: “My kids learned to swim here – like so many generations did, so I know that Gurnell was an incredibly important part of life in Ealing for so many of us. We plan to build an even better pool and gym right here on the site of the old leisure centre.“
Speaking to EALING.NEWS on the council plans, Councillor Connie Hersch, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Policing & Communities said: “Liberal Democrats have been urging the council to deliver a new leisure centre but remain concerned that it will be paid for by building many flats on metropolitan open land (MOL).”
Chair of Ealing Green Party, Neil Reynolds raised his concerns and told EALING.NEWS: “A new leisure centre to serve Ealing and Hanwell is much needed after the pandemic and Labour’s neglect closed Gurnell. Residents now face a dilemma, as the scheme is part of a big building project on a floodplain and requires borrowing on a huge scale that could be a liability for the borough for many years to come.”
The council says that if its planning application is approved, works would start in summer 2025 and the new leisure centre will be open in 2027.
