Designed by GT3 Architects, and delivered alongside Metnor Construction and Paragon BC, Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre replaces the existing Hornchurch Sports Centre and is operated by Everyone Active.

Spanning two floors and covering more than 6,000sq m, the facility accommodates a wide range of different leisure activities including an 25m eight-lane pool with 250 seat viewing gallery, wet changing village, sauna, steam-room, and an onsite café opening out onto a public plaza.

A separate specialist learner and dive pool has been installed to offer increased flexibility for the centre. A movable pool floor will also facilitate a range of activities, from baby and toddler classes through to diving lessons, aqua aerobics, and group wheelchair access.

The site also home to a fitness suite offering 150 workout stations with floor-to-ceiling windows maximising the park views, three multi-function fitness studios and a large four-court sports hall.

“Leisure is at the forefront of the council’s ambition and I am very excited to see the local community benefit from this addition. Leisure centres play an important role in creating Covid-secure spaces for people to improve physical and mental wellbeing as we come out of lockdown,” said councillor Damian White, leader of Havering Council.

“This is the next step in the council’s ongoing investment in leisure facilities, which includes starting on another brand-new leisure centre in Rainham later this year.”