Orpington's Walnuts Leisure Centre is set to reopen its doors next week following a £17m transformation. Bromley Council has announced the long-awaited return of the health and fitness hub, with Mayor Christine Harris scheduled to officially cut the ribbon at midday on July 2. The council has hailed the occasion as an "historic occasion for Orpington", promising additional activities in the town centre to mark the event.
Refurbishment Details
The significant refurbishment project commenced at the beginning of last year, after Bromley Council secured planning permission for the extensive works in November 2024. The £17m project included improvements to the centre’s current facilities, as well as several new ones added.
New Facilities
New provisions at the centre include:
- A new competition-length swimming pool and training pool
- Bright new reception and café areas
- Refreshed and newly marked sports hall
- A children’s splash wall
- New sauna and steam room
- Expanded two-level gym, complete with a functional training area and brand-new fitness equipment
- State-of-the-art EGYM smart strength training equipment, allowing adjustable workouts and supporting rehabilitation
- Completely new heating system to ensure reduced running costs
Council and Operator Comments
Cllr Yvonne Bear, Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “The stage is now set to reveal the incredible transformation of this much-loved leisure centre, funded and delivered by Bromley Council. We know how eager residents are to return and we have been doing all we can to complete this huge investment in the borough’s leisure provision as soon as possible. Residents will be able to enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities over the summer and long into the future, thanks to a whole host of works completed behind-the-scenes to secure this centre for Orpington.”
Orpington residents will be able to explore the centre from midday before usual use of the centre will begin from 2pm. Activities and classes for the opening day and beyond will be available to book in the usual way in due course via Mytime Active, Bromley’s leisure provider.
Mytime Active CEO Steve May said: “We are thrilled to welcome members and residents back to the transformed Walnuts Leisure Centre. At Mytime Active, we’re passionate about providing more than just leisure facilities; our aim is to offer a true community hub to better serve the needs of local residents for many years to come. The scale of this investment by the council means the whole community will benefit from outstanding new facilities. Walnuts Leisure Centre will be a vibrant hub where people can improve their health and wellbeing, try out new hobbies, connect with others and enrich their lives, all under one roof.”
Opening Day Festivities
To accompany the reopening of Walnuts Leisure Centre, festivities will centre around the marketplace area in front of the centre off Lych Gate Road where residents can join for the ribbon cutting. There will also be a range of sport-related activities, stalls from local partners, refreshments, and entertainment organised by Orpington 1st BID on the day. Special activities will also be organised at Orpington Library next Thursday and across the following weekend to continue the celebrations.
