Wandsworth centres to get £24m worth of upgrades

Eight of Wandsworth’s leisure, swimming and sports centres are set to benefit from £24m worth of investment designed to improve facilities and help more residents get active. The move to enhance and modernise facilities – owned by Wandsworth Borough Council – is part of Places Leisure being re-appointed to operate the eight venues on behalf of the council earlier this year. The works will be funded jointly by the council and Places Leisure.

As well as making the funding commitment, Places Leisure will launch a new Active Communities programme to encourage inactive residents to move more. It will also continue to support Access for All – a concession scheme ran by the council, which offers eligible residents 50 percent to 100 per cent discounts on key leisure services, including gym and swim memberships.

One of the first improvement projects under the agreement has resulted in a new Soft Play area being created at Putney Leisure Centre. This will be followed by the installation of a new £350,000 fitness suite at Latchmere Leisure Centre, which will include a refurbished gym and brand-new exercise equipment.

Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We’re committed to helping people move more, feel better and live healthier lives as part of our Wandsworth Moves Together strategy.

“This new contract supports this goal, ensuring residents benefit from excellent, modern facilities both in our centres and out in the community, especially with the new £24 million investment in long over-due improvements over the next four years.