Ealing Council is to hold a series of public events where residents can find out more about its vision to build a new sports facility at Gurnell Leisure Centre as well as provide feedback on it.
At a recent Ealing Council cabinet meeting (7 February 2024), approval was given to restart plans to build a modern sports facility on the Ruislip Road East location which has been shut since 2020.
Previous plans and consultation with residents saw campaigners for Gurnell say they were “disappointed” by how the council was engaging with them.
Former designs and concepts for Gurnell were also dropped and now the council is set to submit a new planning application in the spring and if approved construction would start in 2025 with Gurnell reopening in 2027.
Plans for the site will also feature housing.
In a statement, the Labour-run council said: “A new leisure centre will replace the existing one, with new swimming pools, and improved fitness suite and studios space. There will also be a range of other facilities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy including a climbing wall, soft play areas, meeting and party rooms, and a new cafe.”
Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council said: “With the new leisure centre, we want all our residents to enjoy more active, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyles.”
He added: “We know that the closure of Gurnell leisure centre left a gap for so many of our residents. We have a strong track record of investing in high-quality leisure facilities across the borough, including the Everyone Active Acton Centre and Northolt Leisure Centre. The new centre at Gurnell will be the latest example of this.”
Councillor Polly Knewstub, cabinet member for thriving communities added: “Over the past year we have been actively listening to the community and gathering feedback to inform the new proposals. We are looking forward to seeing you at one of our community events and hearing your feedback.”
Community events to find out more about Gurnell and meet with council officers and architects:
- 24 February 2024 at Perceval House at 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm
- 27 February 2024 at Everyone Active Acton Centre 4pm – 6pm
- 28 February 2024 Northolt Leisure Centre 4pm – 6pm
- 29 February 2024 Dormers Wells Leisure Centre 4pm – 6pm
- 3 March 2024 Dr Bike session at Gurnell’s park land from 1pm – 3pm
