Hoardings To Be Put Up Around Gurnell Leisure Centre |
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Security boosted head of anticipated commencement of building work
September 26, 2024 Ealing Council has announced that hoardings are to be erected around the Gurnell Leisure Centre site. The stated reason is that they will deter trespassers and vandals from entering the facility which was abandoned in 2020 during the pandemic. However, opponents of the scheme have accused them of jumping the gun and say the true purpose of the hoardings it to allow work to be done on the site ahead of planning permission being granted. The council admits that once they are in place, work will begin to remove the fixtures and fittings. It remains adamant that there is no chance of the current centre ever being reopened. The request to demolish the building, which was built in the seventies, and construct a new one, is due to be considered by the borough planning committee by the end of the year and, if approved, full demolition work will begin early next year with the new centre currently scheduled to open in 2027. The council needs to convince its own planning committee that the fact that the proposed development is not in accordance with the development plan in force for the area and that building will take place on Metropolitan Open Land is outweighed by the benefit the scheme brings in terms of a new facility and additional affordable housing. The plans revealed this May include a new 50-metre swimming pool with a water park area, slides and a lazy river are proposed as well as a climbing wall, improved gym, exercise studios, soft play and cafe. Land around the centre would include a new skate park, cycle pump track, outdoor gym and children’s playground.
Leader of Ealing Council, Peter Mason said, “We want to create a first-class leisure centre which changes the face of leisure in the borough for generations to come and provides excellent facilities for all ages. We know how much residents value having leisure facilities at Gurnell, which is why we listened to their feedback and ideas.” Councillor Blerina Hashani, cabinet member for thriving communities added, “The proposals for the new Gurnell Leisure Centre are very exciting, offering residents of all ages and abilities the chance to improve their health and wellbeing. In the meantime, we are taking measures to deter vandalism and other anti-social behaviour by making the site more secure.”
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