Bromley Council has confirmed that the Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington will reopen on Thursday, July 2, following a £17 million transformation. The Mayor of Bromley, Christine Harris, will cut the ribbon at midday, marking what the council called an "historic occasion for Orpington."
Extensive refurbishment and new facilities
Work began in early 2025 after planning permission was granted in November 2024. The project includes a new competition-length swimming pool, a training pool, a children's splash wall, a sauna, and a steam room. The sports hall has been refreshed and re-marked, and the reception and café areas are newly designed. The gym has expanded to two levels, featuring a functional training area, brand-new fitness equipment, and state-of-the-art EGYM smart strength training equipment that allows adjustable workouts and supports rehabilitation. A completely new heating system has been installed to reduce running costs.
Cllr Yvonne Bear, Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “The stage is now set to reveal the incredible transformation of this much-loved leisure centre, funded and delivered by Bromley Council. We know how eager residents are to return and we have been doing all we can to complete this huge investment in the borough’s leisure provision as soon as possible. Residents will be able to enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities over the summer and long into the future, thanks to a whole host of works completed behind-the-scenes to secure this centre for Orpington.”
Opening day schedule and bookings
Residents can explore the centre from midday, with regular use beginning at 2pm. Activities and classes will be bookable via Mytime Active, Bromley’s leisure provider, in due course. Mytime Active CEO Steve May said: “We are thrilled to welcome members and residents back to the transformed Walnuts Leisure Centre. At Mytime Active, we’re passionate about providing more than just leisure facilities; our aim is to offer a true community hub to better serve the needs of local residents for many years to come. The scale of this investment by the council means the whole community will benefit from outstanding new facilities. Walnuts Leisure Centre will be a vibrant hub where people can improve their health and wellbeing, try out new hobbies, connect with others and enrich their lives, all under one roof.”
Community celebrations
To accompany the reopening, festivities will take place in the marketplace area in front of the centre off Lych Gate Road, including the ribbon cutting, sport-related activities, stalls from local partners, refreshments, and entertainment organised by Orpington 1st BID. Special activities will also be held at Orpington Library on the reopening day and across the following weekend.
