Central London's 1930s Leisure Centre Revamp Delayed, Costs Rise by £3.8 Million
The refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Seymour Leisure Centre in Marylebone, originally built in the 1930s, has been significantly delayed and will now cost an additional £3.8 million. Westminster City Council has issued an apology for the late opening, attributing the setbacks to unforeseen challenges involving asbestos and heritage windows.
Project Delays and Budget Increases
According to main contractor Willmott Dixon, the revamped leisure centre is unlikely to open before Spring 2027. The facility was closed in February 2024 to allow for a multi-million-pound upgrade, which includes refurbishing the swimming pool, creating an open-plan gym, adding children's soft play areas, and improving the climbing wall. In early 2026, the council approved a revised budget of £44.1 million, up from the previous £42.5 million approved in March 2024, marking a total increase of £3.8 million from the initial £40.2 million budget.
Causes of Delays
Willmott Dixon has extended the project deadline four times since work began, primarily due to unexpected site issues. Key factors include:
- Asbestos Discovery: Asbestos was found in a void in the first-floor Library and Registrar ceiling, which was not identified in prior surveys, necessitating additional safety measures and delays.
- Heritage Window Issues: Delays also stemmed from complications with secondary glazing windows, requiring approvals to preserve the building's historic character, as the centre is a listed structure.
As a result, Westminster City Council has extended Willmott Dixon's contract term from April 2026 to December 2026 to complete the works.
Council Response and Future Plans
A Westminster City Council spokesperson emphasized the commitment to restoring the building while respecting its listed status. "Seymour Leisure Centre is a listed building, and the council’s priority is to restore the building while respecting its listed status and historic character," they stated. "A number of unexpected issues came to light once works had started, which meant we had to carry out additional checks with the relevant authorities. This has unfortunately led to a delay with the overall project. We understand this delay will be disappointing for residents, but we look forward to reopening a fully refurbished Seymour Centre as soon as possible."
Approval for the refurbishment was granted by the council’s Planning Committee in July 2023. A January 2026 report noted a potential mitigating saving of around £1.2 million, but this requires further scrutiny. The council continues to monitor the project closely to ensure timely completion despite the setbacks.
