Bosses hope Waterfront Leisure Centre in Woolwich will be open by summer as lockdown allows more works

The coronavirus lockdown will enable the revamp of a sports complex to go ahead without disrupting customers.

Phase two of the urgent repair and improvement works could mean the Waterfront Leisure Centre, in Woolwich High Street, is fully operational again by the summer – and can reopen to the public when families can stop isolating.

The second phase of works forms part of a joint £1.4m investment from GLL and Greenwich council, and will enable the centre to remain open until a new town centre replacement is completed in five years’ time.

Phase two will include works to boilers, air handling units and roof repairs, as well as improvements to the changing facilities.

Richard Gallagher, Partnership Manager at GLL, which runs the Better Waterfront Leisure Centre, said: “Following an initial period of urgent repairs, we are pleased to be moving into the next phase of improvement works.

“These works are critical to ensure that we are able to offer a full pool programme again at Waterfront Leisure Centre as soon as we are permitted to re-open.

“Contractors will ensure they strictly follow Public Health England’s social distancing guidelines at all times.

“We look forward to welcoming customers back to the pool as soon as we are able to.”

Cllr Miranda Williams, Greenwich council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure
and the third sector, said: “This is a difficult time for all of us with Covid-19 affecting all council services, but we are continuing to invest and improve the Waterfront Leisure Centre to make sure we have an up-to-date, safe and fully operational leisure centre while we build the new Woolwich Leisure Centre.”

Pictured top: The Waterfront Leisure Centre