Ealing Council says it's progressing with plans for an 'impressive' new sports facility at Gurnell Leisure Centre.

During Ealing Council's cabinet meeting on 8 February, approval was given to start the next phase of the project.

This will involve submitting a planning application in the spring, the appointment of a company to build the leisure centre and plans for new homes.

The existing facility in Ruislip Road, Ealing has been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic as it was deemed unsafe to open.

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 café says the council.

Residents can also expect improvements to the surrounding green space and landscaping, including a new outdoor gym, as well as the retunr of facilities such as the playground, pump track and skate park, designed with the help of Ealing's sporting clubs.

There will also be improved pedestrian paths to the park. A programme of tree planting will take place, creating a unique forest that adds to the local biodiversity says the council.

Ealing Council will reuse materials from the existing leisure centre but will also use fossil free energy sources during the redevelopment.

Grunell Leisure Centre on Ruislip Road closed back in 2020 after the Covid-19 pandemic made it unsafe to reopen (credit: Grunell Leisure Centre/Facebook).

Councillor Peter Mason, the leader of Ealing Council, said: "With the new leisure centre, we want all our residents to enjoy more active, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyles.

"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, the council's 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."

The Liberal Democrats welcome the return of the leisure centre after a 'long delay', but are pressing for a scheme which benefits residents, questioning the timing and risk management approach in the current economic environment. 

Liberal Democrat Councillor Gary Malcolm, Leader of the Opposition, said: "Previous proposals for Gurnell had a significant number of housing units and remain a concern with residents.

"The Liberal Democrats question whether this is a good value approach to decision making as the borough and its residents are in a significant cost of living crisis. 

"Ealing Labour seem to be enthralled by developers without always benefiting residents. 

"A better approach would be to have a less enhanced scheme enabling a higher affordable housing percentage for local usage."

The council will submit a planning application for the new leisure centre in the spring.

If approved, construction would likely start in 2025, with the new leisure centre to open in 2027.

We want to provide Ealing with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.