Construction of Wanstead Leisure Centre is moving full steam ahead

The Leader of Redbridge Council and the Senior Management Team at Wanstead High School recently visited the new Leisure Centre construction site to get an update on the progress that is being made on this exciting new facility.

As part of the development, Wanstead High School pupils will benefit from new modernised classrooms, ensuring they get the best educational experience possible. A new canteen will also feature in the new development.

The new facility, which began construction in 2022 and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2025, is more than just a typical leisure centre. It will boast a state-of-the-art 25-metre swimming pool, dance studios, a new reception area, and accessible changing rooms.

Despite the challenges posed by over a decade of austerity, Redbridge Council is steadfast in its commitment to delivering new leisure facilities. The construction of the new community facility, including the brand-new swimming pool, is progressing steadily, with significant strides being made. This commitment ensures that families now and future generations have access to these vital facilities.

Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, was joined on the site visit by Sarah Williams, Wanstead High School Business Manager, and representatives from construction partner Jerram Falkus.

Cllr Rai said: “Few local authorities are currently investing in leisure facilities, building swimming pools, and creating new classrooms for pupils. We are therefore very proud to be able to provide this vital infrastructure to local people in our borough.

“Like all local residents, I want the leisure centre up and running quickly, and my recent visit shows construction is moving full steam ahead, and we're making considerable progress in delivering a brand-new swimming pool for families now and future generations. At the same time, new modernised classrooms for pupils at Wanstead High School are being built as we speak. Once the new facility is open, it will offer local families enormous health and social benefits for years and years to come.”

Sarah Williams, Wanstead High School Business Manager, said: “It's great to finally see some light at the end of the tunnel. Our pupils are very excited about the new swimming pool, improved leisure facilities, improved dining spaces, and purposefully designed classrooms. We also look forward to reclaiming and transforming the outdoor area into a calm, inviting space to enhance pupils' school experience.”

The project will benefit from energy-efficient features to help ensure the new building has a low carbon footprint, some of which include:

• High-quality windows and improved air sealing to reduce energy loss.
• Natural and mechanical ventilation systems, high-efficiency boilers, and smart lighting controls
• Solar panels on the roof of the teaching block. These panels will generate enough electricity to cover 20% of the teaching block's energy needs.
• Sensor taps that minimise water usage.

Redbridge Council recently updated the Wanstead Leisure Centre page with new images that showcase the progress made on-site and the project timeline to give people an idea of progress. A new FAQ document will be published online shortly.

As the project nears completion, the council will actively engage with the local community regarding the opening of the new facility.