Scheme to built at 1970s-built Gurnell leisure centre that closed during covid

Ealing council has appointed Vistry-owned Countryside Properties as preferred developer for the residential phase of a scheme to build over 300 homes and a new leisure centre in west London.

The plans for the £125m Gurnell development were approved last January. It includes eight main housing blocks rising to a maximum of 10 storeys, with 35% of homes designated as affordable.

The Gurnell Leisure Centre, built in the 1970s but closed in 2020 during the covid lockdown and never reopened, will be demolished and replaced.

Gurnell View 1 (2)

The scheme will include 300 homes and a new leisure centre

Others working on the overall scheme include housing architects HTA and GT3 Architects with Sphere25 acting as planning consultant.

The scheme was approved four years after a 3DReid-designed proposal to build six housing blocks and a replacement leisure centre scheme on the site was refused by Ealing council.

GT3 is designing the replacement leisure centre, which will contain a 50m swimming pool, 270 spectator seats, a cafe, a fitness suite and soft play. 

The new proposals for the wider site include outdoor landscaped facilities in adjoining parkland, 450 new trees, a new playground, skate park, BMX track, a bridge and new footpaths.