Council Promise More 'Affordable' Homes at Gurnell

Follows protests about the multi-million redevelopment scheme

Ealing Council appears to have bowed to local pressure and is now planning to increase the number of affordable homes for rent as part of the redevelopment of the Gurnell Leisure Centre site.

It follows a lengthy consultation and a petition signed by over 2,000 people

Plans to provide funding for affordable housing were discussed at a recent consultation meeting with residents and will go before committee for approval.

The council say the £37.7m scheme will, in addition to providing a new swimming pool and leisure centre, deliver a 'substantial' number of homes which meet the official definition of affordable - ie rents equivalent to those charged by local authorities and housing associations.

These homes will be in addition to those in the current plan, half of which will be for rent at prices affordable to 'ordinary working people'.

Gurnell Leisure Centre opened in 1981 and the council say it must be replaced to meet the needs of its users. Without building new housing on the site, the new centre couldn't be built and the council claim the existing facility would face risk of closure

The current leisure centre is expected to close in September 2018, with the intention of being operational once again in 2020.

Cllr Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure said: “We make it a priority to listen to the views and opinions of our residents and have consulted extensively on our ambitious plans for Gurnell. We are therefore looking at ways to ensure that the affordable housing needs of local people are met as part of this redevelopment. 

“We are investing in a fantastic modern leisure centre in Ealing. This project will put Gurnell on the national map as a state-of-the-art facility as well as providing local people with an exciting modern new sports centre.”

Cllr Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for housing said: “Thanks to everyone who had their say on this exciting redevelopment project.  As in all London boroughs the availability of affordable homes is a massive issue for people. I am proud that Ealing is one of the few London boroughs meeting its targets for affordable housing. We remain committed to building 7,000 affordable homes by 2026.”

7th February 2017