The green light for the new leisure centre marks a crucial step forward in the Gurnell masterplan delivery, revitalising a hugely significant community hub that is positioned between five of the borough’s seven towns - Ealing, Northolt, Perivale, Hanwell and Greenford.

The new leisure complex will provide health and fitness facilities and plans for the site include a 50-metre swimming pool, making it one of only three open 50m indoor pools in London, along with a climbing wall and state-of-the-art gym.

The new site will offer an enhanced wet area, including a waterpark, slides and lazy river, as well as exercise studios, a soft play area and café. Around the centre plans include a new skate park, cycle pump track, outdoor gym and children’s playground.

Leader of Ealing Council, Councillor Peter Mason, said: 'The Gurnell Leisure Centre was not just a hub for health and fitness – it was the face of leisure for multiple generations of the community. Thousands of children across the borough learnt to swim there, while for others it provided an opportunity to exercise, unwind, and socialise with friends and family.

'With the new plans being approved, we’re pleased that we’ve taken a major step forward in providing a new venue that can continue the Gurnell Leisure Centre’s legacy on an even larger scale. Residents of all ages and abilities can visit, putting a focus on improving their health and wellbeing.

'We’re proud to say that the new site is just the latest example of the council’s investment into high-quality leisure spaces across Ealing.'

Gurnell Leisure Centre was open in the 1980s until it closed in 2020 during Covid and a decision was made at the end of lockdown not to reopen the building due to it being outdated.

‘Radically new’ proposals were put forward in May 2024 after a two-year consultation that invited residents to give their inputs.

The outline planning permission of around 300 homes on the site was also approved by the planning committee, with around a third of them being affordable.

To retain the greenery and enhance the biodiversity of the local area, 450 trees are expected to be planted around the site.

Councillor Blerina Hashani, cabinet member for thriving communities said: ‘The approval of the new leisure centre by Ealing Council’s planning committee represents a milestone achievement.

'The current plans were carefully crafted with three of the council’s priorities in mind: health and wellbeing, economy, and sustainability. While the new leisure centre will provide facilities for residents to prioritise their health and engage in sports, the exciting proposal offers a boost to the local economy and will supply new employment opportunities to the community.'

The approval of the new leisure centre, which will be home to one of the largest indoor pools in London, marks a monumental step forward in filling the hole that the closure of Gurnell left on local communities.

The committee’s decision will now go to the Greater London Authority who will assess the proposal before planning consent can be granted. If successful, the council will seek to appoint a contractor to begin construction on the site and demolish the existing building. The demolition is projected to begin in spring of this year with works due to start in autumn/winter this year. It is estimated the centre will open in 2027/28.