London's Woolwich Waves development will be based on regeneration, health and physical activity, with 482 homes
by Kath Hudson | 09 Jul 2025
Woolwich Waves will include a leisure pool with flumes / FaulknerBrowns Architects
The £80m Woolwich Waves opens later this year. The new leisure centre is key to regeneration in Woolwich
Facilities include pools, sports halls, a two-storey gym and recovery, while there will also be 482 homes, urban realm, retail and a refurbished theatre
Council leader says the facility is central to the council’s four-year strategy
The facilities will be managed by GLL under the Better brand
The Royal Borough of Greenwich will soon be opening its £80 million exemplar leisure centre in Woolwich town centre, which is central to the town’s regeneration.
Opening later this year, Woolwich Waves – a name chosen by local residents – will replace the Waterfront Leisure Centre, which will stay open until the new centre is ready. The facility has been recognised by the council as being key to supporting residents to live their best life by helping them to become more active, as well as tackling health inequalities. It will be managed by GLL under its Better brand.
Facilities will include a 25 metre, eight lane swimming pool; leisure pool with flumes and slides; a teacher training pool; a health suite with sauna and steamroom; a two-storey gym; a six-court sports hall; a five-a-side hall; a multi-purpose exercise studio, squash courts; soft play area, creche and party rooms; community spaces and a cafe.
Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Anthony Okereke, says this is a gamechanger: “The new leisure centre is at the forefront of our plan to improve the quality of life and health of our residents. We’ve invested in the health and wellbeing of residents and this new venue will be used for generations to come.”
The project has been undertaken following a public consultation in 2019 which highlighted the need for community space beside the new leisure facilities.
The wider regeneration includes the construction of 482 homes to the rear of the centre which will be a mix of for sale and rent. There will also be shops, workspace, places to eat and a new community square. As part of the works the Tramshed building, home to the Tramshed Theatre, is being refurbished.
Designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects, Woolwich Waves is being constructed by Morgan Sindall and Buro Happold has provided engineering services. Solar energy will be used to help power the centre, the Tramshed and residential apartments. The council is committed to being carbon neutral by 2030.
Peter Bundey, CEO of GLL will present a keynote at the HCM Summit on 23 October in London. Find out more about book your place at www.HCMsummit.livewww.HCMsummit.live.
HCM Summit 2025 speakers include:
Humphrey Cobbold, chair, PureGym
Russell Barnes, CEO, David Lloyd
Greg Oliver, CEO, Fitness and Lifestyle Group Asia
Neil Randall, CEO, Urban Gym Group
Martin Seibold, CEO, LifeFit Group
Rebecca Passmore, COO, PureGym
Juan del Rio, CEO, VivaGym
Anna Bjurstam, senior strategic adviser, Six Senses
Oliver Patrick, co-founder, Future Practice
Marc Magliacano, managing partner, L.Catterton
Sophie Lawler, CEO, Total Fitness
Peter Bundey, CEO, GLL
Alice John, director, Sports Business Group, Deloitte
The Royal Borough of Greenwich Woolwich Waves Anthony Okereke FaulknerBrowns Architects Morgan Sindall Buro Happold
The Royal Borough of Greenwich will soon be opening its £80 million exemplar leisure centre in Woolwich town centre, which is central to the town’s regeneration. Opening later this year, Woolwich Waves – a name chosen by local residents – will replace the Waterfront Leisure Centre, which will stay open until the new centre is ready. The facility has been recognised by the council as being key to supporting residents
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