Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington, South London, is approaching the final stages of a comprehensive £17 million upgrade, with an anticipated opening set for spring 2026. The extensive refurbishment is transforming the facility into a state-of-the-art community hub, featuring a range of new amenities designed to enhance user experience and accessibility.
New Swimming Pool and Wellness Facilities
The centrepiece of the renovation is a brand-new competition-length swimming pool, currently undergoing final preparations with lane markings being applied. Adjacent to the pool, modern sauna and steam rooms have been installed, offering visitors enhanced relaxation options. These additions are part of a broader effort to create a more inviting and functional leisure environment.
Enhanced Changing Areas and Reception
State-of-the-art changing rooms and lockers are now in place, providing improved convenience and security for users. The café and reception areas are nearly complete, ensuring that visitors will have comfortable spaces for socializing and administrative needs upon reopening.
Specialized Fitness and Family Features
A new exercise studio equipped with smart strength training equipment will allow users to customize workouts safely according to their individual body and strength levels. For younger visitors, a children’s splash wall has been added next to the learner’s pool, promoting family-friendly engagement. Additionally, a climbing wall is being installed to encourage active play among kids.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
The renovation includes the installation of a new heating system, aimed at making the centre more cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable. This upgrade is expected to reduce operational costs while maintaining optimal comfort for all users.
Council Commitment and Community Impact
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, expressed enthusiasm about the project's progress. “It is incredibly exciting to see these works really coming together now, as we get ever closer to welcoming residents back to their transformed Walnuts Leisure Centre,” she said. “This is a tremendous investment in the borough’s leisure provision that we are delivering for Orpington, which has been carefully prioritised by the council. This is because we know just how important it is to secure this centre for the future, with the facilities that residents want and deserve.”
Parallel Project in West Wickham
In addition to the Walnuts Leisure Centre upgrade, Bromley Council is overseeing the construction of a new West Wickham Leisure Centre. Plans were approved in November 2025 for a £22 million rebuild, following the closure of the previous facility in early 2024 due to asbestos and structural issues. The new two-storey centre will feature a 25-meter, six-lane swimming pool, café, soft play area, gym, studio, and unisex changing facilities, with an expected reopening in early 2028.
The council initially aimed to retain more of the original building but opted for a comprehensive rebuild to address safety concerns. This parallel project underscores Bromley’s commitment to enhancing leisure infrastructure across the borough, ensuring residents have access to modern, safe, and well-equipped facilities for years to come.
