'Radically Different' Plan Submitted for Gurnell Leisure Centre
Council moves forward with scheme which includes 300 flats
Visualisation of the new centre and housing from planning documents
May 23, 2024
Ealing Council has submitted its plans for the phased redevelopment of the Gurnell Leisure Centre site. It is proposing a scheme which will include a new leisure centre as well as 300 flats in blocks up to ten storeys high.
The application acknowledges that the proposal is a departure from the borough’s Development Plan and is being built on Metropolitan Open Land, but the council is arguing that the benefits of the scheme outweigh any resulting harms.
The new leisure centre will, once again, have a 50 metre swimming pool with a water park-style area featuring slides and a lazy river as well as an upgraded gym, a climbing wall and a cafe.
The scheme also includes proposals to rejuvenate surrounding parkland which will feature a new skate park and a pump track, as well as an adults’ gym and children’s playground.
The flats in the development will all be classed as affordable and the number has been reduced by half from the earlier proposal which include blocks up to 17-storeys high.
The previous centre, a three storey building made of concrete and steel, which was opened in the early 1980s closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and never reopened. A report submitted with the application states, “The Gurnell Leisure Centre now shows considerable signs of structural, aesthetic, and maintenance-related wear and tear. These issues, reflecting its four decades of operation and unique architectural features, have contributed to its continued closure and prevented its reopening.”
Ealing Council Leader Peter Mason said, “We want a destination leisure centre to serve residents, families, and the next generation of sporting champions. This radically different masterplan reflects that vision.
“Built in the 1970s, the old Gurnell had reached the end of its useful life. Deciding to close the existing leisure centre was a difficult but well-thought-out decision.
“Independent advisors have made it clear that a new centre is the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for the site. This means we have a chance to change the face of leisure in the borough, build upon some of the excellence we have already seen at centres like Acton, and provide first-class facilities for people of all ages and abilities.
“We have listened to feedback from residents, sports groups, and centre users about their objections to the first, failed planning application. The new plan reflects and responds to previous concerns about the height and number of residential units.”
An aerial overview of the proposed Gurnell development from the planning documents
Polly Knewstub, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, added, “Reports have shown that it would take major work and investment to bring the centre as is up to a standard that would allow it to reopen safely and for local people to enjoy it again.
“If we adopted a ‘sticking plaster’ approach this would have lasted for a while but soon we would have to revert to plan b again – a new leisure centre that is fit for the future with high-class facilities and experiences that will serve generations to come.
“We have left no stone unturned in this round of Gurnell Leisure consultation. We want to deliver on our commitment to providing a new centre on the site without any further delays. What we’re proposing is in line with what residents have said they want, so there are some new and exciting additions to what has been proposed before.
“The new masterplan promises a modern, high-quality leisure that is a gateway to health, wellbeing, and enjoyment for our community. There is a great mix of activities for all, a choice of pools for all swimming levels and improved parkland which will provide new opportunities for activity and socialising.”
The council has ruled out a refurbishment of the existing facility
You can read and provide feedback on the Gurnell masterplan by visiting the council’s planning portal and searching for planning application 241706OUTR3.
The plan is expected to be considered by the council’s planning committee later this year.
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