Residents in South London have been given a first glimpse inside a major new leisure centre set to open its doors at the start of 2026. Greenwich Council has confirmed that the highly anticipated Woolwich Waves facility will welcome the public on New Year's Day 2026.
A Flagship Aquatic and Fitness Facility
The council has now handed over the completed building on General Gordon Square to the charitable social enterprise Better, which will operate the centre. Promising a vast array of amenities, Woolwich Waves is positioned as a flagship development for the borough.
The aquatic offerings are extensive. The centre will house an eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a separate training pool, and a leisure pool complete with water jets, a jacuzzi, and two water slides. For younger visitors, a dedicated toddler splash zone has been created. All pools will be fully accessible, featuring pool pods and hoists.
Beyond the water, the facility boasts a substantial dry-side offering. This includes a modern gym spread across two floors, two dance studios, a spinning studio with 30 bikes, a bootcamp-style HIIT studio, and a health suite with a spa, sauna, and therapy rooms. A large, accessible changing village is also part of the design.
More Than Just a Leisure Centre
The development's scope extends far beyond traditional fitness. It features a sports hall with space for six badminton courts, two squash courts, and a unique 3G, five-a-side football pitch located on the building's top floor. Family-friendly facilities include a crèche, two soft play areas, a party space, and a café.
Council Leader Anthony Okereke said the opening would be a landmark moment. "The start of 2026 will see the moment thousands of residents have been waiting for," he stated. Okereke emphasised the centre's high sustainability standards and its role in a wider regeneration push, which includes the refurbished Tramshed Theatre and plans for new homes, shops, and public spaces.
"Woolwich Waves will be at the forefront of improving the quality of life and health of our residents," Okereke added, expressing his eagerness to see public reaction on opening day.
Phased Launch and Wider Regeneration Plans
The opening on January 1, 2026, will mark the beginning of a soft launch phase. A full public launch is scheduled for January 10, 2026, coinciding with a planned open weekend event. Operator Better aims to have all facilities running from day one but has noted it cannot yet provide a full guarantee.
The leisure centre is just one component of a larger transformation for the area. Greenwich Council is using the project to deliver hundreds of new homes in several tower blocks behind the centre, with the tallest reaching 20 storeys. Recently approved plans have increased the number of homes from 482 to 557, with over a third designated for social rent.
This housing expansion has come at the cost of a locally listed pub, The Bull Tavern on Vincent Road, which will now be demolished instead of being refurbished. Furthermore, the council has confirmed that the 30-year-old Waterfront Leisure Centre will close and be demolished once Woolwich Waves is operational. The Thames-side site is slated for redevelopment into a 20-storey block containing approximately 310 homes.
