Demolition is underway to make room for a brand-new “state of the art” Woolwich leisure centre.

Greenwich councillors visited the site of the new Woolwich leisure centre on Wednesday (November 9) to see how preparations for the new leisure centre, arts venue and community space which will replace the Waterfront leisure centre.

This Is Local London: Artist's impression of the swimming pool. Artist's impression of the swimming pool. (Image: Photo from Royal Borough of Greenwich council.)

The Viscount House site on General Gordon Square is currently being cleared in preparation for the construction of the facility, which is expected to begin in the spring of 2023.

The new centre will include:

  • a 25m, eight-lane swimming pool 
  • leisure water with flumes/slides
  • a teaching/training pool
  • a health suite and spa with a sauna and steam room
  • a café overlooking General Gordon Square
  • fitness suites across two levels
  • a six-court sports hall
  • a five-a-side hall
  • multi-purpose exercise studios
  • squash courts
  • a creche, soft play area and party rooms
  • flexible and accessible community spaces

Cabinet Members Cllr Okereke, Cllr Smith and Cllr Khaireh visited with ward members to see how demolition of the site is progressing.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, said: “The Council's state-of-the-art leisure centre with a pool gym and spa, nearly 500 high quality homes, commercial space and a community square in Woolwich town centre has got another step closer, following on from planning permission being granted in September.

This Is Local London: Artist's impression of the sports hall.Artist's impression of the sports hall. (Image: Photo from Royal Borough of Greenwich council)

“These facilities are at the heart of our investment in the town centre alongside the refurbishment of Tramshed Theatre and improving public areas around Powis Street and Beresford Square."

Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: "The Woolwich Leisure Centre scheme will offer a range of facilities, including swimming pools, a gym and spa, a sports hall, squash and badminton courts, and five-a-side football pitch.

“Flexible community spaces, a creche, a soft play area and a café will also be provided.

"The first phase has seen major refurbishment works taking place at the Tramshed Theatre next door.

“The refurbished theatre is due to reopen in December with an exciting programme of activities for young people and adults, including those with learning difficulties.

"With top quality venues like Woolwich Works and Tramshed, Woolwich’s cultural scene has so much to offer, both to local families and visitors from across London - there will be something for everyone."

Cllr Aidan Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "The Woolwich Leisure Centre scheme will bring so many benefits for local people - accessible, leisure facilities, affordable new homes and nearly 140 construction jobs alone as well as apprenticeshipsand training opportunities.

"Four hundred and eighty-two new homes will be built by our development partner, The Hill Group, including 168 affordable homes, made up of 117 homes for shared ownership and 51 homes for rent by local people on the Council's housing list."