Residents invited to discuss plans for £33m home and leisure centre

A consultation exercise has been announced by Ealing Council in an attempt to allay growing concern over the redevelopment of Gurnell leisure centre.

The pool on Ruislip Road East is due to be demolished and will be replaced by what the council describe as a ' state-of-the-art' centre. It will be funded by building new hi-rise flats - on the site.

A petition has already been set up calling on the council to ensure that the flats are 'affordable' - whilst others are arguing they shouldn't be built at all as the land is classed as Metropolitan Open Land.

Swimmers have also expressed concern that they will be without a local pool for around two years.

A number of different aspects of the project will be discussed at the meetings including the design of the new centre, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, housing and transport links to the site.

The consultation meetings will take place on Thursday, 19 May, 9 June and 14 July starting at 6.30pm at Hathaway Primary School, Hathaway Gardens, Ealing, W13 ODH.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said: “We are investing £33million to build a fantastic flagship sports facility in Ealing and these meetings will be a great opportunity for people to come along and find out more. This is a really exciting project which will put Gurnell on the national map of professional sports facilities as well as offering local people an exciting modern new sports centre.”

The sessions are open to everyone, but space is limited and will be offered on a first come first serve basis.

The meetings will be hosted by Councillor Bassam Mahfouz and council officers working on the project.

For more information visit the council’s website www.ealing.gov.uk/Gurnell

12th May 2016