On the 22nd January 2023 NttW fed back to Bromley Council the views of those who commented on the website and Facebook page about the future of the Walnut Leisure Centre. Quite by chance NttW discovered that Bromley Council were consulting on the council budget and how this should be prioritised. Sadly this consultation had not been widely advertised but was an ideal opportunity for us to feedback your views.
NttW Feedback Bromley Consultation.
NttW were informed by Bromley Council that there was to be a scoping/ assessment exercise undertaken by Leisure Alliance to determine the scope of work required to refurbish the Leisure Centre so that it could be modernised and meet the needs of future generations. The scoping exercise was to begin in January 2023.
On the 20th February 2023 online NttW Committee members met with Bromley Officers from the Regeneration Team to discuss the scoping exercise and the planned survey to consider the future of the Walnuts Leisure Centre. We were advised that the Walnuts Leisure Centre and West Wickham Leisure Centre were to be refurbished. In respect of the Walnuts Leisure Centre there is a budget of approximately £13 million pound. It is proposed the future swimming pool will be 25metres. This is because it is a standard size and in the future will be easier to service.
NttW were invited to name two people to represent the Group on two forums with other Stakeholders including but not limited to, Councillors, MP and a number of local Resident Associations.
On the 27th February 2023 the public survey went live and will run until mid-day the 27th March 2023. This date has now been extended to the 10th April 2023.
Week commencing 6th March 2023 the NttW attended two forums one on-line and one in person. NttW shared our vision for the Walnuts Leisure Centre obtained from discussions with members on the NttW Facebook page. There will be many other opportunities to express views.
There was a consensus at the forums regarding the importance of the Walnut Leisure Centre to residents, visitors and the business community.
NttW have been given an indicative timeline in respect of the Walnuts Leisure Centre as follows.
- Public engagement to start 27th February 2023 and close on March 27th March 2023
- Public focus groups to take place in early April
- Architectural and construction related surveys to take place on site until May
- Council to receive Alliance Leisure’s report by June
- Findings will be reported early Autumn.
NttW welcome these developments however we acknowledge there are likely to be a numbers of issues that will need addressing before we can be confident that the residents of Orpington will indeed acquire a fully refurbished, modern leisure centre it deserves.
UPDATE
October 2023 London Borough Bromley agree to refurbishing The Walnuts Leisure Centre as well as West Wickham Leisure Centre. Just over £27million has been allocated to these two projects. The Walnuts Leisure Centre will be subject to a major refurbishment programme that will ensure it remains fit for purpose over the next few decades. The work should be completed by 2026.