Residents in a South London borough are set to benefit from a major leisure transformation, with two facilities receiving multi-million pound upgrades. Bromley Council has given the green light for a complete rebuild of West Wickham Leisure Centre while revealing stunning new designs for the soon-to-reopen Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington.
Orpington's Walnuts Leisure Centre Transformation
The £17 million refurbishment of The Walnuts Leisure Centre is progressing rapidly, with the council releasing new images of what residents can expect when it reopens in Spring 2026. Work began on the site in January 2025 after planning permission was secured in November 2024.
The completely transformed facility will feature a new competition-length swimming pool and completely redesigned leisure spaces. Significant improvements include an enhanced café area and modernised reception, alongside essential repairs and a new heating system designed to substantially reduce running costs.
Other notable upgrades include:
- Reconfigured changing rooms with new showers and lockers
- An improved gym facility
- A new exercise studio featuring state-of-the-art EGYM smart strength training equipment
According to Bromley Council, the advanced EGYM equipment represents a significant technological leap, as it "recognises user's profiles and adjusts each workout to their body and strength levels, ensuring each session is safe and effective."
Council Enthusiasm for Community Hub
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Bromley's Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, expressed excitement about the project's progress. "I know there is great anticipation for the reopening of this much-loved leisure centre next year and I hope these new designs really give residents a sense of the complete transformation we are delivering for Orpington," she said.
"This refreshed centre will be a huge boost to the borough's leisure offering and will act as a hub for regional sporting activity while creating a welcoming space for families and visitors to enjoy, all while cutting our future maintenance liabilities on behalf of council taxpayers."
West Wickham's £22 Million Rebuild Approved
In a separate but equally significant development, Bromley Council approved plans for a brand new £22 million West Wickham Leisure Centre during a meeting on Thursday, November 27. The existing facility has been vacant since its closure in early 2024.
Originally, the council had hoped to retain more of the original building structure, but the discovery of asbestos and structural issues necessitated a more comprehensive approach. The decision was made to demolish most of the existing structure, preserving only the learner pool.
The newly approved two-storey centre will feature:
- A 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool
- Modern café facilities
- Soft play area for children
- Fully equipped gym
- Exercise studio
- Unisex changing facilities
The council anticipates that the new West Wickham Leisure Centre will be ready to open to the public in early 2028.
Unanimous Approval and Design Praise
Councillor Alexa Michael, Chairman of Bromley's Development Control Committee, welcomed the unanimous approval of the West Wickham project. "This is a high-quality application, with an attractive design inspired by the newly reopened West Wickham Library," she commented.
"I was delighted that the committee could unanimously approve the application, which will significantly enhance the borough's leisure provision. I am sure the new leisure centre will be much enjoyed by local residents once it reopens."
Partnership Delivery and Future Vision
Both the Walnuts and West Wickham projects are being delivered in partnership with Alliance Leisure, specialists in leisure centre redevelopment, and their sub-contractor Etec Contract Services.
Ruth Ripsher, Alliance Leisure Services Delivery Manager, shared her enthusiasm for The Walnuts project: "Having supported Bromley Council throughout this project, it is incredibly exciting to see the work now coming off the ground. These new designs reflect a vision we have been working toward for some time, and as the development partner, we are proud to be turning those plans into a reality that will serve Orpington for generations."
The combined £39 million investment in these two leisure facilities represents one of the most significant enhancements to Bromley's community infrastructure in recent years, promising state-of-the-art sporting and leisure facilities for residents across the borough.
