I posted this on the facebook page also
This website needs to be found on search engines, If you google nuts4orpington or nuts to the walnuts it doesn’t bring up the website? One of the first things to come up is “the walnuts quarter”! What we don’t want.
I believe you can do things to make websites more searchable?
I am a full-time wheelchair user and regularly use the gym and would like to use the pool also. The initial planning application was not going to allow me to continue to use the facilities as I use a power chair. I wasn’t against the redevelopment of the leisure centre but the tower blocks in the application. Is there a way to do gradual redevelopment like with the swanley leisure centre where facilities only closed for 2weeks during the changeover.
The Swanley Leisure Centre as far as I am aware was kept open whilst a new Leisure Centre was built alongside. That development included housing. I think closures during the course of a refurbishment is inevitable but hopefully they will be a short as possible.
Walnuts pools are closed yet again.. it desperately needs a refurbishment ideally whilst still open. Lessons are wonderful it’s just the facilities that let it down.
Hi Roger,
thanks for your feedback.
We have considered this option to advertise on search engines, however this is expensive and would tie us into a long term contract.
I think that the best thing would be just a revamp of the pool ( been same for years) bare minimum. That has not changed in years.
More swimming fun times floats and things at certain times. Also possibly open later.
Re: the leisure centre. This is a town facility which we cannot lose! Any replacement needs to be at least as good (have the same facilities) or better/bigger for our expanding population. If there is to be a rebuild, that would be the ideal time to go for a 50m pool which is so so lacking in the south east and would bring so much revenue to Orpington. The facility needs a cafe where people can wait for kids in lessons, meet friends, chill out after sports etc. The changing facilities need to be clean and there need to be halls for classes, gymnasium for gym clubs, badminton etc. Squash courts as there are very few in the area and an equipped gym and weights room. It is ridiculous to think that any rebuild would be years in the waiting too. These sorts of facilities are imperative for the physical and mentalhealth and wellbeing of the area and for it to disappear for an organisation to make a quick buck building quick profit housing cannot be allowed to happen.
Thank you. The council in the past have provided assurances that any new Leisure Centre built would need to be the same or higher spec than current Leisure Centre in terms of facilities. Nothing specifically was said I don’t think about reverb.
Re the pool, I really value it and use it regularly.
I think a re-tiling exercise would make a big improvement , and be minimally disruptive.
The tiles in the pool itself are grey and tired. The tiling on the floor surrounding the pool, and in the wet changing room and showers are uneven, and therefore get pooled with water. It is clearly hard for the cleaning staff to do a proper job.
Agree that the fabric of the building exacerbates the problems with keeping it clean and in particular the pool, steam room, changing and shower areas which do not always appear as clean as they could be.
As the leisure center is to be refurbished to bring it back to a high standard. I would like to see all the facilities which are provided at present remain i.e swimming pool / gym/sauna steam room/ squash courts etc.
Attention to lockers in the gym area should be addresed as the majority are outside the changing rooms all lockers should be with in the changing rooms like the swimming area.
As like a lot of people i would like to see the refurbishment’s done in stages.
We are hoping that Bromley will refurbish the Leisure Centre.
Well, as a user, it does need refurbishment. But it is only going to be cosmetic for most areas. Ideally, upgrade the heating for the pool, which keeps breaking down. It really needs more space, a larger gym area, more studio spaces for classes. But that would require building work and some clever design work.
The scope of the work, possible structural changes is something that has to be decided. Mytime have commented before that space is not best utilised in the setting.
Great opportunity to extend the pool to 50m which would be one of the only ones in the south east and would attract more swimmers especially as Crystal Palace athletics centre is now closed. If the centre is to be improved a bowling alley would attract large numbers especially if there is a decent bar and restaurant which would bring in many new customers
I believe that the people of our area should have a decent pool and facilities.
With mental health being one of the problems that more people are experiencing a leisure centre is imperative for relaxation, one that is open every day and be operational is indeed urgently needed.
Yes the Leisure Centre benefits people in so many different ways
It would be great if Bromley council could have a vision of how the sports centre could be improved, modernised, made larger and brought up to date. It is a vital centre for so many people . I appreciate the group of people who volunteer their time to nutstothewalnuts.
For me, as you enter the complex the reception area and cafe feel clean and modern, but as soon as you step away from there it’s like stepping back into the 80s. So much of the centre unfortunately needs a refit. Top of my list is the pool areas and wet changing rooms which are now not just tired but broken and in disrepair, look at the spectator seating and lockers for very visable examples.
As others have said what an opportunity to extend the pool to 50m making use of the useless concrete forecourt. If the councillors were looking to leave a great legacy this would be it… delivering a landmark competition standard pool.
Thank you. Just as a point for consideration if the pool was extended I assume it would mean we would be longer without a swimming pool in the Town Centre as it would involve more work. Not suggesting that is a deal breaker just something to think about
Yep probably true. But surely the purpose of a scoping exercise is to look at various options and associated costs (£££ as well as time etc). From there you make reasoned decisions with full info.
The full remit is not known. The communication received from the RRH via Councillor Botting read “ as regards to the future of the Walnuts, with Areli no longer proposing a redevelopment of the leisure centre, funds have been allocated to undertake a full assessment of what is required to bring the centre up to a fit for purpose standard. This work has been commissioned and the outcome is expected within 2 months. It will then be for members to review the proposals and decide how to proceed.”
This is good news. However it is acknowledged that this communication does not refer to wider options, such as a new build etc.
What a great idea to have a website as well as a Facebook group! This is a good addition to everything previously done by NTTW group.
We look forward to hearing from people who hold an interest in what is to happen to Orpington. We as a campaign group are eagerly awaiting the next round of consultations before Areli submit a new planning application. We will attempt to keep the residents of Orpington as informed as we possibly can.
This website is to reach people who do not use Facebook or who would prefer to access info from a website. Please spread the word about the website.
I can only agree with all comments about the leisure centre. The health of the community cannot be underestimated. The swimming pool should be expanded to 50m and all facilities need upgrading, including changing rooms, gym football and squash courts. As already mentioned, thus will also generate interest from surrounding areas.
I hated the idea that Walnut Centre was going to be primarily a residential site taking as long as 5 years of disruption.
Yes, like many Leisure Centre shd be refurbished even though I don’t use it since my school days in the 20th century.
It be good to have a few more households names restaurants/fast food e.g. Itsu now open in Bromley Glades Ctr. We got 2 Costa coffee outlets that are doing well. Shame Bella Pasta premises remain empty for so long probably due to lockdown putting prospective leaseholders off.
Why was the Nugent shopping development NOT built at the Walnut Centre all those years ago? This is the sort of shopping area I like to see. Then I was NOT living in Orpington when Nugent was built.
Good you now have a website as a number of people are not on Facebook and information is much more accessible here. As someone living in central Orpington and directly affected by any new development, I fully endorse your campaign/objections to date and also support both your vision for the future and the comments made in response to the SPD, all of which very much mirror comments I have made separately.
Good news that the original planning application was withdrawn but we need to ensure that our vision comes through both in the final SPD and, crucially, in all discussions with Areli around revised plans. It would be a very sad day if the views of over 3,000 local people / over 90% of those commenting were ignored.
Well done on getting the website up.
I hope it brings forth some good ideas about the type and scale of development needed to help regenerate central Orpington.
Planning Objections
I think it’s important to better highlight the ‘invalid’ types of objections as many people made their objections based on loss of views, potential drop in property values, construction disturbance etc. These have to be discounted by the Planning Committee during the formal consideration process because they are not related to the policies of the Bromley Local Plan or the London Plan. These are mentioned at the bottom of your page on Plannig Objections but I think it needs to be clearer that these kind of objections cannot be considered by the Committee because they don’t specifically address the individual Policies in the plans.
Restrictions applying to Councillors on the Planning Committee
I also think it’s important to point out clearly that Councillors who sit on the Planning Committee are not permitted to express their views either for or against any application prior to the full Committee actually considering the proposal. If they do express an opinion one way or the other before the application is formally considered then they are classed as ‘pre-determined’ and are therefore not eligible to actually vote on the application, despite being on the Committee.
Since the original application has been withdrawn that means it has still not been formally considered by the Planning Committee and therefore the Councillors who actually sit on the Committee still cannot express a personal view whilst awaiting a possible revised application.
There was a lot of flack and personal criticism of individual Councillors prior to the Areli plan being withdrawn because people did not understand that the Councillors cannot express a personal view prior to any application actually coming before the Committee for formal consideration. A better understanding of this might reduce the amount of personal aggression and abuse previously evidenced on NextDoor.
Thank you for your very helpful feedback. I agree many people did object on grounds that were invalid. We will review that page to make sure the information is as clear as possible. I also take on board the point you make about pre determination. I think this is something we will revisit when Areli submit their fresh planning application. We as a campaign group wish to have a good working relationship with all councillors.
Councillor Tunnicliffe stated at the Residents meeting for Petts Wood and Knoll in late November that Areli would not be including the leisure centre in any future plans and the cost of refurbishment of the Leisure Cemtte would sit with Bromley Council.
With regards to the future of the walnuts leisure centre, my personal preference would be for the current centre to be refurbished whilst remaining open, however I would also support the temporary closure with relocation of current services to other local centres (biggin hill, Bromley, beckham), although any form of closure would be inconvenient I believe that the local community would be understanding if it means that the centre can be saved.
The walnuts leisure centre has been at the heart of the town centre for decades, it is a valued resource used by a wide verity of local residents and should remain that way. An out of town replacement would not be as accessible to all and would and to the decimation of the high street.
I also understand (from speaking to staff) that swimming pools of this size are hard to find these days and a smaller replacement would mean that the swimming club would have to relocate and the number of swimming lessons would have to be reduced, both of which would be anabsolute catastrophe.
I sincerely hope that Bromley council will understand the importance of the Walnuts to the local people and do the right thing by fully funding the renovation of the centre.
My observation is that having successfully pushed back on Areli’s plans and the impact to the Leisure Centre, we are now hearing that it is often not functioning and needs significant investment.
I am surprised that anyone believes that a refurbishment will not take a considerable amount of cost (tens of millions) and time, 18-24 months and likely to be shut down most of that time. Therefore likely to have the same impact as pulling it down and starting again. However, now there is not a developer to pay for it.
It now feels like we have got what we asked for, status quo and no change, just an ongoing decline of the Town.
Bromley Council estimate that the cost of refurbishment is approximately £10million which is less than half the cost of building a Leisure Centre from scratch according to their figures. The length of time to refurbish has not been given but it has been cited that a refurbishment would take a lot less time than a rebuild. That makes sense really. I know some Leisure Centre users are requesting that a “piecemeal” approach is taken to the refurb project meaning that any resource ie swimming pool, sports hall, gym will be closed for the minimum time possible.
As to whether Areli comes forward with an alternative planning application, no one knows. This will be dependent I would assume on them maintaining healthy profit margins. Whether that is achievable in the market as it stands today I do not know. I would imagine envisaged profit margins have decreased significantly since when the land was acquired by Areli.
In regards to the redevelopment of the walnuts leisure centre, my opinion, as a long term user of the services, is that the council will see how much the leisure centre means to the people around it. It is one of the main land marks of Orpington and caters for young and old. It is though in desperate need for redevelopment as the services, especially the pool, are sketchy at best. WE DO NOT WANT IT KNOCKED DOWN, it is too important, it provides many school swimming lessons and is home to the o Jay’s swimming club a new leisure centre is unlikely to be suitable for these. I understand that we would be unable to use all the services whist redevelopment takes place but that is already the situation. We don’t want something new we just want a walnuts that works.
I would have significant reservations on Bromley Councils estimate for the refurbishment. They have not completed anything of a similar nature within the Borough for the past 20-30 years.
Refurbishment e.g. increasing the size of the pool to 50m and all of the improvements required would mean the closure of the pool for a significant amount of time, minimum 18-24 months.
I would suggest we ask some people that do this for a living such as a local person that was the Project Manager for the Olympics Pool. They will have a much better idea of the cost and time.
How do we get Bromley Council to make a financial commitment to this project?
We have just been informed a scoping exercise re costing of refurbing the Leisure Centre will be completed within the next two months. Hopefully feedback we receive can help inform that scoping exercise. It may be, I don’t know that a number of different scenarios for the leisure centre will be costed.
The leisure centre is very outdated and is always closing parts of it for various reasons. The pool changing rooms are old and not appealing. I used this facility with my small children but now as pensioner I no longer would. If it was updated I would certainly use it and I’m sure it would attract more retired people. If it was updated it would attract more of the young if it remained in the heart of Orpington.
I believe Bromley council should spend the money to refurbish the leisure centre. The centre is an asset to the community and could be vastly improved if the open area at the front of the building was taken in to the new development. Properly designed the facilities would be well used by the residents. Ideally the centre should remain open during redevelopment but if it were to close to allow the works to be completed more quickly then I reluctantly would support closure for the duration of the works.
The walnuts leisure centre provides a vital resource for Orpington community . All of the resources especially the pool are widely used, both by the local population and those that travel from neighbouring boroughs to use the larger pool. Looking at the example of other areas (Guildford) that have developed and enhanced their leisure facilities income generation is a possibility. However the needs of the local population are paramount. The building is old and tired and the plumbing needs a complete overhaul.
Having said that refurbishment must be considered as the option causing the least environmental impact. Whilst the size of the pool is a contentious issue. It does not meet the standards required for competitive swim meets. There are a good many of service users such as myself who love the larger pool. Personally I would advocate refurbishment of the current much loved facility. I would also suggest that if the current building of new homes reflects an increase in the population then consideration should be given to the development of another leisure facility with a competition sized pool. Bromley Borough has more than enough cash reserves to maintain its public facilities. The council should remember that this money belongs to the Borough and divesting themselves of public resources is in conflict with the well-being of the people they have been elected to serve. Any public facility will require ongoing and costly maintenance. And should be budgeted for.
I fully support the refurbishment of the leisure centre
Bromley did a good job of the reception area but that is as far as it went. The squash courts are dilapidated and the pool and especially the viewing gallery needs an over hall. There are not that many large pools in the area and whilst 33m is not competition standard I do not want the pool to be made smaller. Could the pool be extended in any way across the empty outside concrete area? I am not in favour of closure but if the pool was to be refurbished and even extended to 50m it would be the only 50m pool in Kent and would really put Orpington on the map! I believe the 50m pool at Crystal Palace remains closed. The leisure centre really is the heart of the town and deserves its place here in the centre of town
With regard to the Leisure Centre I think it would be better to refurbish the existing building-it is in a perfect location, the size is adequate and the work could be done in stages to limit the inconvenience. We should be lobbying our Councillors to ensure that Bromley invest the necessary money before the centre deteriorates any further.
I agree with the Ojays that any refurbishment should be done whilst other areas remain open which the Walnuts has managed to do over many years. To consider moving it would be detrimental to facilities we have and no way would the community get everything that we already have. (I.e a pool the same size)There are issues that needs amending like a new boiler and often the air con is playing up. But you can’t knock the facilities that this place offers and where it stands in the midst of our local town.
I am a regular user of the walnut leisure centre especially the swimming pool and would be devasted if we loose this community centre. Money should be spent to keep this place open to all.
I would also like the pool to remain open whilst it’s refurbished. It is an invaluable tool for our collective wellbeing both mentally and physically. It is the most popular pool in the area and also the largest. I would actually advocate for later opening times as currently general public use is limited in the evenings as clubs and lessons take priority. The boiler situation is a nightmare, another need is for better parking although I appreciate this is not simple. The monthly footfall clearly shows the need of the facility by all and everything should be done to keep it going.
The only alternative would be a purpose built gym/sports hall/pool of the same
Size built on council land nearby before anything happens to the existing one – again a very difficult situation and to the further detriment of the high street. Whatever the solution The pool and sports facilities downtime must be kept to a minimum.
I don’t want an out of town pool even if it is temporary, I am disabled and don’t drive. I love going swimming but after I come out I can just about manage the one bus home. Also the disabled access to the pool is horrible. You have that chair that needs assistance and let’s everyone know you’re disabled. Some proper steps going into the water with a handrail would be fantastic, like White Oaks has. Also need better changing rooms, there’s one little ledge in there which as well as the floor is often wet and as I need to sit down to get dressed there’s then nowhere to put my clothes without them getting wet too. Get rid of cockroaches too.
Thank you. Your insight into what would benefit people with mobility difficulties is very useful and needs to be taken into consideration when/ if refurbishment of the Leisure Centre commences.
Regarding the leisure centre:
The WLC is in desperate need of rejuvenation… I am a frequent user of the soft play and although its relatively clean, it is in desperate need of an upgrade.. Parts of it are still cordened off from covid.. There are quite a few patches covered with hazard tape…more to the point, for the last couple weeks the toilets are out of order! Imagine the situation, a toddler comes running up to you needing “a wee” you then be to carry them through to the swimming, locker room toilets… Really not ideal. Which I had to do last week. These toilets are horrendous! Dirty and rusty pipes in the cubicle and an unpleasant smell.
During the holidays we, (2 adults & 4 3 year old) do sometimes visit the teaching pool. However I do find due to “boiler issues” the swimming pool is regularly out of order.
I’ve download the “Mytime Active” app, which I do find useful it’s easy to use and nagivate. Most of the notifications are around the swimming pools being out of order or there being no hot water.. 5 alerts alone in December!
Would love to see some tlc put into this Centre!
As a grandmother of 4 children aged 4 and under I have visited the Buzz zone fairly regularly. It is one of only a very few resources suitable for pre school age children in an indoor setting in Orpington. I agree when the toilet facilities are out of order it makes life difficult. Thanks for your input.
Firstly, thank you NTTW group for all the hardwork, efforts and involvement thus far.
Regarding the Walnuts pool; both my children and I are regular users but unfortunately this is becoming less so, mostly due to the maintenance issues and frequent closures. My children (8 &6) have their swimming lessons cancelled usually at short notice and without any alternative solution offered – and my swim is often postponed or abandoned due to the pool closures.
The pools and associated facilities need a desperate update and modernisation plan throughout. This includes the infrastructure and plant but also tge general appearance and finishes (seating, steps, changing rooms, etc). I would like to stress that losing the teaching pool, or any reduction in length to the main pool, will be of great detriment to all who rely on the facilities. The other borough pools are 20m or 25m length, some without teaching pools, and are regularly very busy as a result. Similarly, they are not always as conveniently located for use at the requisite times.
Leisure center is not just a family hang out its lifestyle. We all deserve the facilities they offer. My kids regularly swim and play badminton. In todays digital world, leisure center is the only place in Orpington where we can actually have a healthy break from our gadgets and do something meaningful ad healthy.
The Walnuts Leisure facility is an important centre for the community, providing a really good range of services for a wide variety of ages. The staff are friendly, highly experienced and wonderful and what is on offer is a high level of service for classes, lifeguards, PTs etc. However the centre itself is dated and struggles with its own issues – the pool/boiler issue is a consistent blocker to using the facilities. This is a real shame for the members and users to not be able to fully use the facilities. We want to keep the leisure centre open but it desperately needs refurbishment, especially the swimming side. I don’t think I have been once where the steam room and the sauna were both functional in the last 3 years. The leisure centre serves an important part of our community and high street, we need something to stay. There are other options of a gym in the high street and Nugent but they do not offer the variety of the leisure centre, such as badminton courts, soft play and swimming. This is what our community needs and desires to keep. A refurbishment while keeping as many services as open as possible would be ideal.
We definitely need to get the Leisure Centre refurbished so it’s fot for use. I know that would mean it would be closed for a period of time but I wholeheartedly support your campaign for this. Bromley Council have to be forced to pay for this. It’s an essential part of our community
I’m keen for the leisure centre to be updated/upgraded as its currently barely fit for purpose. We use it twice a week for swimming and if it was more attractive would use it more. Plus it’s visited by us for parties etc. An upgrade with minimal disruption to swimming lessons would be amazing, if at all practical. The previous upgrades to Beckenham Leisure centre was fabulous and so valuable to the community.
The Walnuts Leisure Centre is the jewel in Orpington’s crown. It is immensely important to many residents, including me. There are few towns which have such a community hub, right in the town centre. It’s far more than a place to swim; it’s a place for families, friends, clubs and children to meet to socialise and keep fit. It attracts many people to our town, because despite needing a refurb the facilities are among the best in the borough. The Council recognises this and has promised to refurb. The recent frequent pool closures show that URGENT action needs to be taken. The centre is one of the most diverse places in Orpington in terms of the ages, ethnicity, social backgrounds and ability of the people who use it. It is vital to those managing serious health issues and disabled people. Among the facilities are a: teaching pool, main pool (33m in length), sauna, steam room, sports hall, gym, crèche, café, soft play area for younger children (Buzz Zone). The swimming pools at Biggin Hill, Spa at Beckenham and the West Wickham are too far away. Darrick Wood is far too small. The Pavilion Leisure centre is a fun pool with a wave machine, which is not suitable for lane swimming. The Ojays Swimming Club has successfully trained at the leisure centre and has won many trophies. If the pool was fitted with a 25m boom (a mechanical device used to divide swimming pools into areas), competitions could be held there too. This would be fantastic for the club and attract many visitors to the town centre. Local schools use the centre for class swimming lessons and there are also private group swimming lessons for children. The pool is also used for community events like The World’s Biggest Annual Fundraising Swimathon for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie (May 2022). There are also school holiday activities for children. There are many dryside activities too. Orpington Gymnastic Club also train at the centre in the main sports hall. This promotes the enjoyment of women’s artistic gymnastics in Orpington and surrounding areas for those aged 5 – 18 years old. The disciplines of Floor, Vault, Asymmetric Bars and Beam are taught. There are Multisports classes specifically aimed at disabled youngsters; karate classes for those aged over 13 years and roller skating events. Adult exercise classes include spin, yoga and Pilates. The use of Crofton Halls for Primetime classes highlights the lack of facilities in community halls. There are no showers, no changing facilities and no lockers. If NttW could help in letting the Council know how urgent the refurb is that would be brilliant.
Thanks so much for this passionate comment reminding people just how important this resource is to us all. Let’s hope the Council makes us all proud by providing an updated and improved resource.
I agree totally Julia we really need to keep our Leisure centre and give it the update it so badly needs. Then it is essential that the maintenance of the facilities is efficient and regular. Things have been allowed to fall apart for far too long. There are companies that specialise in modernising swimming pools and the results can be stunning. It would be good if the council consulted with true experts during their scoping excercise instead of simply trying to find the cheapest but not necessarily best contractors.
I would like to see the leisure centre deep cleaned. It does look tired. It’s good the locker keys have been replaced but shame not in the same coloured plastic. On a postive note the pool is a lovely size and if it was 50 metres would bring people to the town for competitions from the whole of the uk. We have premier inn for bed and board and numerous eating places in the town. Making it an idea thing to do. We could do with steps at the shallow end. The steps Would help people to entrance and exit the pool. People with disabilities find the existing metal
Steps difficult to pull themselves out. I think schools should have assistances so the girls and boys do not spare the same changing rooms . The pool is great as not too shallow as a lot of the local pools are. With a refurbishment Orpington would be back on the map and grow
The Walnuts Leisure Centre is an extremely popular resource in Orpington. Classes at the Walnuts Leisure Centre were so popular that most of the PrimeTime classes were moved to Crofton Halls to create more space/time for Leisure Centre classes. Many classes at both venues are often fully booked.
The swimming pool attracts all age groups (babies to folk in their 80s) and offers a range of classes and instruction. The 33m length is valued and should stay or be increased to a 50m standard. The depth of the pool also enables diving from the side. Separate male/female changing rooms are valued. The orientation and window area of the pool should remain because it captures available sun all day long.
The pool has had ‘boiler issues’ for a number of years and these have become worse over the 2022-23 period. Maintenance issues at The Pavilion pool were addressed with the closure of that pool from 31 Oct to 19 Dec 2022. Boiler maintenance at The Walnuts is a council responsibility and has been ignored – this is not good enough.
Staff at the LC are professional, supportive and friendly.
Refurbishment of the The Walnuts Leisure Centre could be done in stages – Dojo has recently been refurbished to become a cycle studio while the centre remained open.
The cafe area could be made bigger/more appealing, maybe linking it to an improved outdoor area for summer use.
Any relocation of LC services to other venues (temporary or otherwise) should take public transport into consideration as not everyone in the borough has, or has access, to a car.
People need to be kept informed and building/refurbishment contracts properly negotiated with penalty clauses for delays.
NTTW – Thank you for your work.
I would like to use the pool and do classes in the evenings but the approach to the leisure centre has never felt particularly inviting/ safe/ welcoming and I don’t like to go at night on my own. I use public transport and don’t have a car, so having the entrance well away from the bus stops/ high street is also a barrier to me utilising the centre in the evenings. I don’t feel particularly safe.
I do not personally use the leisure centre, but my disabled daughter uses it several times a week. She has a learning disability as well as mobility problems and has become quite distressed at the prospect of losing the gym and pool. Her only reasonable alternative that she has found is to travel from St. Paul’s Cray to Beckenham, so rather than just a single bus ride she now would have to use two buses and a train. She has tried to make the journey on several occasions but found it most prohibitive not only in convenience but also in cost and time.
Then there is the consideration of her comfort zone, where she has been going to Orpington for many years now and has got to know the staff and the layout for the facilities. A change to an alternative venue would be counter productive for her.
Finally, just as an add on, Orpington is her home town where she not only shops but also volunteers in a charity shop. She is now quite distressed with the possibility of the loss of several retail outlets should the redevelopement take place, effectively reducing her shopping experience.
Yes I can see how interruption to facilities on offer will be very disruptive for your daughter. People are asking if the refurbishment can be undertaken in segments thereby reducing the time we would be without any provision.
The whole centre needs upgrading but ideally I want this work carried out in sections so that the centre can remain open as much as possible. The pool boiler is a major problem it doesn’t even have a temperature guage, it’s that old.
I believe it is vital our Leisure Centre is retained in the Town Centre and modernised.
This is for a number of reasons in my opinion.
1. It is important to the many thousands of customers who visit it and enjoy the facilities. It is vital for many as a Social Hub as well, not just for those who use the pools and exercise classes but in addition for the Buzz Zone users. These facilities bring in many people who live outside of the Orpington area, not just those who live or work locally.
2. In addition the LC brings in custom and trade for the many local shops, ranging from the big names such as Wilkos or Sainsburys to the smaller family run stores and Coffee Shops, etc. This is vital for the continuing survival of many of our Local Businesses, who rely upon the footfall from the LC to bring in more trade.
I believe the LC needs to be refurbished and is definitely NOT demolished.
However when the Budget is agreed for a refurbishment it seems likely some or all of the LC may have be cordoned off, so this needs to clarified and explained to people well in advance if this indeed is the case.
In other words it MAY to close completely for a while, whilst this remedial work is in progress, then re open once the work has been completed. If it comes back renewed and modernised, it will be worth the wait in my opinion.
This needs to clarified once the initial scoping report on the refurbishment has been completed, as people need to be prepared it may need to temporarily closed. (other completely or in part for an extended period).
Once an evaluation of the work required to bring the LC up to standard has been agreed and signed off, it needs to be fast tracked via the relevant LBB RRH Committee, to ensure the work starts ASAP.
The Leisure Centre urgently needs refurbishing. A priority is sorting the boiler out so that the swimming pool is not subject to frequent closures. I think we should retain our rather unusual 33 metre pool. No facilities should be lost . The buzz zone is great for younger children. The cafe area needs to be improved and provide an area where people can socialise after a swim or time in the gym. All interior tiling needs replacing and the building needs to be refurbished so that it can be kept clean. Currently the interior of the centre is not as clean as it should be and the interior decoration, tiling etc exacerbates this problem. In reality the toilets and showers need replacing. This is a far bigger project than a coat of paint or even a new boiler. The outside area also needs updating and better lighting etc. and permanent outside seating not just a picnic table.
I have not used the Leisure since before lockdown as I felt the cleaning of the changing areas was not good, especially y the swimming pool. I would love to see the Centre renovated and would be one of the first to take out an annual membership
The leisure centre is such a great facility for the town but urgently needs an upgrade. The constant short notice pool closures are so disruptive and the cost of travel to alternative pools at Biggin Hill and Beckenham is prohibitive. The investment would have huge benefits on the health and well-being for the local population so should be seen as a priority by the council and not just a luxury. The centre is integral to the town centre, when we visit we use the shops and cafes. I would not bother spending money in Orpington town centre otherwise as there are easier places to access. We at the swimming club would love to be able to hold our own competitions rather than travel across Kent to other club facilities as the current pool is not suitable. A 50m pool would be a huge draw and Galas would generate income for local businesses. I agree with the other comments regarding a proper cafe facility and the entrance feeling unsafe at night. It’s an odd layout and would make more sense to have entrances on to the square and directly to the multi storey car park.
I have found from talking to others that people come from lots of places outside of Orpington to access our Leisure Centre as well as a large number of locals. It is in an ideal place being so close to the High Street and is an absolutely vital part of our town to help bring people in to use our shops, cafes and coffee bars etc.
In this digital age that we live in it’s great to bring communities together at our Leisure Centre which helps peoples’ physical and mental health. It attracts all ages with the wide ranging facilities it has to offer.
If the LC was to close the other Leisure Centres in the surrounding areas would not offer the same wide ranging number of facilities. The Pavilion in Bromley with it’s slides and flumes is more for fun than for serious swimmers and Darrick Wood is just too small to compete with The Walnuts LC.
In recent years the Walnut’s LC is showing it’s age and there have been ongoing boiler problems which has resulted in shutting the two pools several times and now seems to be becoming a monthly occurrence. Other areas of the LC are also needing attention as problems with the plumbing lead to cold showers, toilets out of use and a number of lockers are broken.
These various problems will lead to some members going elsewhere. When people are planning to visit the LC it has become difficult to predictable in advance if facilities are in use or broken down. For these reasons I now feel the LC is in need of an urgent refurbishment.
I feel it is important to keep the Training pool at the size it is now. Many people; adults as well as children use the Training pool for lessons which is great for young children and nervous swimmers. I remember when my three children were young and we enjoyed visiting the training pool it was great for young families. Both pools offer regular swimming lessons which are always in demand. The main pool is also used by the Ojays Swimming Club.
The wide variety of adult classes on offer and very popular and I attend a Zumba class which is excellent.
When refurbishing the LC disabled access could benefit from being improved. For instance a gradual slope into the main pool would be beneficial.
It would be great if some parts of the LC would be able to still be kept open whilst refurbishing but I understand there may be a period where it would need to be closed temporarily to complete all the improvements/ building works that would be needed.
So finally I would say Bromley Council I urge you to consider the refurbishment of The Walnut’s Leisure Centre as a matter of urgency. It is a vital part not only of Orpington but of the whole borough of Bromley. Without it certain shops and businesses would not survive. But more than that the whole community would suffer if these facilities were to fall into more disrepair and possible closure.
Let’s have a Leisure Centre the borough can be proud of with a much needed refurbishment.
Good idea for creating a dedicated space for issues surrounding the Walnuts Leisure Centre. Assuming that private developers are now out of the equation so far as the leisure centre is concerned, there would appear to be two plausible solutions – rebuild on a different site and refurbish whilst remaining open. As has been said, the Council (we) owns the leisure centre. The Council also owns the neighbouring Saxon Day Centre next door to the leisure centre. Would it be beyond the bounds of possibility to temporarily relocate the Saxon Day Centre, maybe to some of the empty units in the shopping centre, then build a new leisure centre on that site, before moving the Day Centre to new premises on the leisure centre site, or elsewhere? My preference would be for refurbishment whilst remaining open. This might take a bit longer, but at least we would have access to facilities whilst this is going on. I understand that this is the approach that was taken with the refurbishment of the Pavillion Leisure Centre, so it would seem to be a viable possibility.
Yes I think most people support a refurbishment as apart from anything else it would hopefully mean Orpington being without the resource it currently enjoys would be kept to a minimum. Your suggestion about using the land where the Saxon Centre sits is also very interesting.
The refurbishment of the Walnuts swimming pool is seriously needed. I swim regularly, but have constantly been unable to go due to boiler problems. We need this to happen as it keeps us old folk of Orpington mobile.
The entire LC needs a huge renovation, I used it as a youngster over 40 years ago and many parts of it remain, yes areas have been changed, added on, but there are bits which are extremely tatty, dirty, uninviting, inappropriate for current modern standards. The pool needs to be a 50m one so that the Swimming Club can host galas and benefit from the associated income from hiring, refreshments and showcasing the LC to potential customers. The spectator area could go with improvement, May be seating on both sides of the pool and at the ends. The gym needs investment and offer more competitive pricing – had to move my daughter from a child membership in the gym to Puregym as they didn’t offer a young adult membership so at 16, she would be charged as an Adult costing over £35 per month, so she moved to Puregym and won’t return – the gym isn’t as good as elsewhere and won’t attract new members from other gyms. People want to go to gyms and they’d rather go to all the other ones in & around Orpington, lost revenues in my opinion. The spirts hall needs upgrading, daughters did trampolining there but had to share the space with gymnastics but the teacher & puplyx couldn’t hear each other over the high volumes of music when the gymnasts were doing their floor exercises – it needs a separate space. Trampolining stopped during CoVid and I’m not aware of it starting up again since.
Renovation or Rebuild will cause disruption all round but something needs doing to provide Orpington with a modern LC that will be the hub of the town for social, fitness and entertainment
Thanks for your input. It is interesting to hear from people who have used resources other than just the swimming pool and their experiences. A concern held by some is that refurbishment or rebuild may lead to much more expensive membership fees.
The Leisure Centre needs its own new boiler, independent of the College. The Leisure Centre plumbing is a major problem – toilets often get blocked, and the showers are feeble and lukewarm.
I would like the Leisure Centre to be refurbished, but priority should be given to keeping any closure of the swimming pool as short as possible. The pool itself does not need any alteration. It might be possible to put temporary changing facilities (portacabin) in the square outside, in order to keep the pool open whilst other parts of the building are closed for refurbishment.
The current size and depth makes the pool particularly attractive to older and frailer swimmers, who can swim in deep water away from boisterous children playing in the shallow end. There are plenty of regular swimmers who are in their eighties. I am opposed to a rebuild because modern pools like Biggin Hill have far less deep water. (I think it is unrealistic to hope for a 50 metre pool)
I have swum at the Walnuts twice a week for more than thirty years. The pool was a factor in my choosing to move to Orpington in 1987.
A decent sports centre is essential for any town – not just for individual use but for groups too. Before The Walnuts was built I had to travel to Swanley to swim as a child. It appears the Centre has been run down but it would be more successful if it were re-done. And that’s important for residents ‘ health and fitness = priceless!
I support the suggestion that Bromley Council should move forward URGENTLY with refurbishing and redeveloping the current Walnuts Leisure Centre, possibly incorporating the Council owned land in front of the entrance. The Centre is an asset to the town and borough, used by all ages and supporting local business activity. Sadly the maintenance of the LC has clearly been neglected over a number of years, to an extent which is unacceptable. There have been many very good ideas provided in previous comments with regard to improving facilities, particularly the swimming pool. The size of the pool should not be reduced, and the feasibility of increasing it should be considered. All other facilities should be at least maintained on the same scale or increased. A second sports hall and more courts for badminton/squash could be beneficial. A larger better cafe would generate more income. A renovated LC would encourage even greater usage and therefore income generation locally.
Thank you. In terms of the front of the building are you proposing the pool is extended out to make it 50 metres or are you suggesting a different use for the front? Certainly some people have said that the entrance to the building, particularly at night is not great being away from the road. That is an issue that could not be overcome but perhaps improved lighting, CCTV may inspire more confidence in some.
Delighted that Areli’s redevelopment proposals were withdrawn. Doubly delighted if the leisure centre could be refurbished. I use the pool, take classes, play badminton and take grandchildren to softplay. I don’t feel the centre needs major changes as that might take too long and be too expensive. It all works ok for me, just needs updating.
I was banned by Bromley Mytime as a disruptive influence for complaining to our local MP Bob Neil about the state of :
-broken shower for disabled in the walnuts
-defective steps in exercises classes that the local HSE fined Mytime for for 2 beaches
-continuing lack of response to formal written complaints regarding services.
All the time that Mytime is run by a trust controlled by Bromley Council there will be no impartial assessment of services. Whereas Downham sport cents management is contracted out and the contractor penailsed for lack of performance.
Don’t even bother to contemplate a redevelopment while this incestuous relationship exists withing Bromley council and the walnuts. it will be a waste of public money.
And please ask yourself, could there possibly be a hidden agenda with this lack of transparency. Just check the salaries of Mytime executives?
In respect of provision for disabled users of the Leisure Centre I am aware that at least one person has commented on access to the swimming pool. It goes without saying that any refurbishment should include improving/ modernising access to all facilities so that disabled people can enjoy the facilities. It is important that disabled people are consulted to ensure the facilities wherever possible can meet their needs.
As a recently current regular user but also one who has been an occasional user for over forty years, I have noticed the decline in the serviceability of the sports centre. Broken boilers (with consequential regular pool closures and cold showers), broken lockers, uneven floors, and damaged dividing curtains, as examples, are causing inconvenience.
Not sure if a condition survey of the building fabric has been done, but this could influence a decision between refurbishment or rebuilding (along with other considerations such as better layout, bigger pool, additional activities etc.). However, there is certainly plenty to be done even in the short term to offset some inconveniences being experienced. In my view these items should be done without delay but the more strategic technical and functional decisions above, and the financial trade-off processes should also be initiated urgently to address the uncertainty of the long term future of the sports centre.
I would hope that the centre stakeholders would appreciate that if these inconveniences persist, user numbers could decline – especially if the users don’t like continual cold showers like me!
When the Walnuts opened it was a pleasure to use the facilities. I took all my children to the small pool for swimming lessons and later they joined OJAYS which met at St Olaves school. As they grew older they used the badminton courts and gym and I also went to the gym. However the facilities became more run down and we went to a gym in Bromley which was cleaner and staff very helpful. Unfortunately with lockdown we stopped going to the gym and although we still have some basic things we can do at home we miss the range of equipment. The Walnuts did become to look “tired” and we did prefer the gym we were members of as it was of higher standard and definately cleaner (especially the toilets and changing facilities) than the Walnuts I remember.
It would be good to have a modernised walnuts in Orpington again with improved facilities that keep abreast of modern ideas and technology and also good parking and accessibility for both those with prams or who are less able bodied.
I remember being at the Walnuts and an older man was being taught how to use the equipment in the gym. At first he was painfully slow but over the weeks he improved and was able to use the equipment more effectively and I was very impressed. Mobility is so important and invaluable as you age – by giving good exercise options the ageing population as well as the general population can benefit and become fitter and healthier.
Yes the Leisure Centre is a vital resource for people of all ages. The concern regarding cleanliness is also a recurring theme. I have not been a member of the Leisure Centre very long and I am enjoying the many benefits my membership brings, however I have witnessed poor standards of hygiene. This has included toe nail clippings in the steam room and a plastic strip that had covered the crotch in a new swimming costume being stuck to the changing cubicle wall and being there for more than two weeks. Being a creature of habit I returned to the same changing cubicle and was surprised to see the plastic strip still stuck to the wall. Sadly I think when things become run down there is less pride taken in the setting by the leisure centre users and possibly by the cleaning staff. Hopefully a refurbished/ new leisure centre would be easier to keep clean.
I and my family have used the Leisure Centre since the late 1980’s. It has been a place to socialise, learn, have fun and remain healthy. The staff have always been wonderful. My now adult kids swam, did badminton, gym, table tennis and trampoline. I, my husband and friends played squash, badminton, gym. I have played racket ball there for many years. I really really appreciate the gains I have had from using the centre. I also took my special needs school class to the centre over many years for swimming.
I think it would be much better to refurbish the existing building-it is in a perfect location, the size is adequate and the work could be done in stages to limit the inconvenience. I was horrified to think we might lose this wonderful facility. I was willing to put up with it being outdated as it was otherwise perfect in all it offered. It could definitely be one of the jewels in Orpington’s crown if revamped. The toilet areas and squash courts are rather down at heel! I personally haven’t been able to use the cafe since lockdown but it always provided good quality, reasonably priced food and the staff were great. My grandkids used soft play but have since had to move area.
My husband and I have been members of the leisure centre for nearly 20 years. I take my grandchildren to softplay and grandson to swimming. It has been a brilliant value for money facility for us. while the building of the leisure centre has stood the test of time, I understand the infrastructure (plumbing electric..etc.) is ailing and desperately needs modernising. My first preference is for the renovation option. However if this is not possible, I am not averse to the idea of a new development in the building housing sainsbury’s supermarket. there are plenty of suitable units for the supermarket and the library? to move into (High street?) while development is taking place. A new building similar in design to Brunswick House, that will house the new leisure centre, library plus flats with suitable proportion (one third plus) for social rent and ‘affordable housing’. I am not an expert, but I think a graduated height (terraces) starting from Homefield Rise (highest part no higher than Brunswick House) then gradually lower on the part overlooking the square.
As we know the lease for Sainsbury is for sale but I think Sainsbury as tenants are safe. If a refurbishment was determined not to be an economical way forward the Sainsbury site would be an excellent alternative site being opposite the Wellness Centre and if the Library remained in situ you would have three essential community resources next door to each other. Access would be improved for disabled people and some of the safety concerns reported by some people would be alleviated by the more central location. Also the existing amenity would not need to close until the new Leisure Centre was built ensuring continuity of service. The building of flats above the new leisure centre, again if no higher than Brunswick Sq and graduated up and down so that they are visually more appeasing could help offset some of the cost of building a new Leisure Centre, address some local housing need if affordable housing is included as it should be and would increase footfall in the town centre.
The sports hall is the largest in the local community and I believe in the local borough, it hosts not only the gym users for an array of activities and fitness classes, badminton, basket ball, trampolining and walking football.
Did you know that the hall is used by an artistic roller skating club for a minimum of 6 hours across the weekend and it has done for 20+ years, with skaters training for competitions, some being international level skaters. Making this hall unavailable would be detrimental to so many children and adults. This is valuable for Childrens health, mental well-being and physical fitness also enabling them to be part of such an amazing team. Taking away their training space for a long period of time is not an option for me or for my child who attends, along with all her team mates.
I believe this would also be the same for the Orpington gymnastics club who use the hall.
As part of the renovation I would say that the hall could benefit from an air conditioning system/ heat system. However ultimately this space cannot be lost or made smaller as this is a valuable assess to our local community and so many others.
It is great to hear about the diverse range of uses for our leisure centre. I should not think there are a lot of indoor public spaces for roller skating. I think air conditioning would be a useful additional feature.
I think the facilities are great!! I understand that the sports centre may not be new and modern but I still believe that it is a suitable and resourceful space. I would like to especially point out that my figure roller skating team Meridian uses the hall for our sessions and I can confirm that it is a great space for us to skate. We love the Walnuts leisure centre and we want to keep skating there!
Let’s hope the leisure centre is refurbished and the roller skaters can continue enjoying their pastime. Unfortunately the pool and showers and toilets need urgent work undertaken. The boiler is failing with increasing regularity.
It is imperative that Bromley Council keep on top of the facilities that The Walnuts provides for local people. My children learnt to swim there, joined swimming clubs and gymnastics clubs and, when older, both worked there for a while. The health of the nation is poor at best and if this leisure centre deteriorates further the incentive to exercise will be vastly reduced – it is shabby and becoming very unappealing and rundown. I do hope the scoping exercise has a positive outcome for the local people. After all, it is our council tax which the council is spending.
I have just cancelled my membership of the Walnuts after approximately 45 years
This is due to continuing problems with the boiler, general lack of maintenance, the sauna was out of action, probably more than working last year and the steam room much the same
Inadequate cleaning, lockers not working
General air of decay
MyTime are completely unresponsive to their feedback forms
I have bought a second hand multi gym from eBay, just over £100, and will use this in future
I now go to Sevenoaks or Bluewater for shopping, but mainly Amazon.
High St OK if you want a haircut or to buy a house, otherwise offers nothing
Hopefully if the Walnuts Leisure Centre was refurbished to a high standard people like yourself and others would be motivated to renew their membership which would be positive for the Leisure Centre and the broader business community. There is no doubt that the Leisure Centre increases the footfall in Orpington.
I am not a member of the Walnuts or a regular user but I do like to use the pool occasionally.
Facilities need to be kept clean and, even though I don’t have young children, I do like the more open style of family change areas.
Sauna & Steam rooms are a bonus but I have heard tales of inappropriate behaviour so these areas must be well-maintained and monitored.
I haven’t been in the gym areas for a long time.
Cafe facilities should be light and airy with plenty of comfy seating and reasonably priced healthy options.
Yes some healthy eating options would be great. I am not sure of everything that is offered but children using buzz zone normally are having something with chips. Perhaps that is a preference and there are more healthy options.
I am pleased to encourage a refurbishment of the Walnuts.
The shopping areas and leisure facilities need refurbishing and regular, dedicated maintenance to encourage increased usage. The car park is an asset to attract people to both areas, but people will only visit them if they are attractive, clean and interesting.
I suggest more “niche” sized shopping spaces which could be easily combined or kept separate to reflect modern shopping/cafe trends away from big retail parks. Two larger units in the lower corner could attract a grocery or chain store with easy access to the car park lifts. The Weatherspoons, or other pub could be reopened to present a refurbished presence on the High Street.
There is no need for anything to be any more multi-storey than at present.
The Leisure Centre is and always should part of the community. My children learnt to swim there and belonged to O’Jays. The Walnuts and the leisure centre are in desperate need refurbishment so it’s imperative that Bromley Council ensure its facilities are updated.
The Leisure Centre with all if its activities is a essential part of the town centre and is badly in need of refurbishment sooner rather than later as the swimming pool is closed more than it is open lately due to disrepair and poor maintaince and the clubs and the general public are being forced to look to other venues further afield to maintain all of their needs.Orpington should be proud what is avaiable but as it it is a disgrace we need a building fit for the 21st century and a building we would have pride in.Not much to ask for as fun and fitness is a key to a happy community and the rest of the town would benefit.
Revamp the pool and update the building, include all activities like the Soft Play Centre, gym, games rooms, cafe and anything that covers all age groups and provides a happy, uplifting communal environment for Orpington.
Refurbishment of the Walnuts Leisure Centre would be very welcome. The fitness of the nation is declining and with increased pressure on the NHS, good leisure facilities are vital. The changing rooms, lockers, showers and toilet facilities need replacing as they are run down, many of the lockers don’t work and everything needs modernisation. A good number of quality hairdryers should be provided free of charge. The actual swimming pool is fine (I don’t think a 50 metre pool is necessary) but the boiler issues and inconsistent water temperature need addressing.
The Walnuts Leisure Centre needs to be completely refurbished to a high standard then people like myself and others would be motivated to Join or renew their membership which would be positive for the Leisure Centre and the broader business community in Orpington. It doesn’t need to be knocked down or replaced, just refurbished to a good standard to benefit the whole community. There is no doubt that the Leisure Centre increases the footfall in Orpington and is a big attraction in Orpington in general.
As a regular user of the Walnuts Leisure centre I urge Bromkey Council to start the process of the rejuvenation of the building. The whole place is crumbling and continuing breakdowns of the boiler and loss of the pool is extremely disappointing. The classes and instructors do a fabulous job and deserve to work in a better environment.
As a regular user of all the facilities at the leisure centre, all need to be up graded. The pool is less available due to mechanical/maintenance problems. This needs to be resolved as many people of all ages rely on it. It is also important for the range of classes to be maintained. The shower areas in both the pool area and gym area need to be upgraded and maintained in a clean and hygienic way.
Yes it is hoped the Local Authority will prioritise the refurbishment of the Leisure Centre when decisions are taken about the next expenditure programme.
It’s disappointing that the existing leisure centre (The Walnuts) will not be included in the proposed redevelopment/ regeneration. As you may know the boiler (which I believe is actually housed in the college next door) breaks down frequently; the toilets get blocked; most of the lockers are damaged; there’s mould everywhere. The whole building needs knocking down and starting again. If this isn’t possible, then a major refurbishment from top to bottom needs doing. The concrete area outside the building is simply depressing (despite the Council doing their best to cheer it up with a temporary pop-up ‘park’). There’s been a new reception centre and, more lucratively, the children’s play area/creche, but this doesn’t address what should be the heart of centre – the gym and swimming facilities.
I am a relatively new user to the the gym ( 2 years) but it is a lifeline for myself and many others too. It is a dilapidated building but SO much goes on inside it.I think that very sympathetic refurbishment would be the way forward , performed in stages to minimise disruption. Of course, some people will affected but surely that is a small price to pay for an upgraded centre?
The council need to be sure adequate replacement spaces are accommodated that are easily accessible for all.
Accessibility needs to be addressed from all angles; from the hard concrete outside that has very poor drainage when it rains to the lack of discounted parking available for those who drive.
Bromley Council need to show residents that we can be proud of our leisure facilities .
The walnuts leisure centre is a vital community service. With orpington Hydrotherapy pool at orpington hospital closed, disabled people use the main pool for hydrotherapy which is vital for disabled people to maintain treatment and their conditions and not put the NHS under any further pressure than it is
The walnuts leisure centre is central in orpington and accessible by bus and train and the walnuts car park alongside it. It has a wheelchair ramp to access the centre for wheelchair users.
Walnuts centre is often used for older and disabled people referred for exercise programmes by GP with a fantastic gym
Orpington OJs use the leisure centre for their base for their club and have sone for 50 years. My niece and nephew swim there twice a week and are county standard swimmers
All of the generations of my family have used the walnuts facilities spanking back to the 70s. It’s a much used and busy leisure centre and much needed
Bromley should install a new boiler and refurb the leisure centre. This is the cheapest option rather than a new build. Please bromley council keep the walnuts. It’s the centre of orpington. Thousands use it every week
Yes it a resource that meets the needs of so many people in the local community. It caters for people of all ages. It improves the health both physically and mentally of people who make use of this resource.
I have been using the Walnuts leisure centre since it was built. Firstly as a young swimmer and part of Orpington Swimming Club. Later i have taken both my children there for swimming lessons. During their teenage years they were both swimmers with OJ’s and took part in many galas. Now my Grandaughter attends lessons there.
My children used the gym, and other sports facilities after school and during the holidays too.
My children and I still swim there regularly.
The leisure centre is very important for the health, physical and mental wellbeing of Orpington residents.
During the many years i have used the leisure centre i have seen the facilities deteriate. The boiler needs replacing. The changing rooms need to be updated.
I was very happy that Areli’s plans now, will not include their very poor replacement plans for the leisure centre. The pool length was not adequate, neither were their other plans.
I hope that Bromley Council will invest money in revamping the Walnuts Leisure Centre, giving the people of Orpington the modern lesiure facilities they deserve and that they invest in the future health and wellbeing of our residents. As others have said a 50m pool would not only benefit our residents but would give the borough a proper competition pool. This will increase use of the pool.
Please make the Walnuts Leisure Centre a place we can be proud of and enjoy visiting, as it was when it was first built!
Thank you. The Leisure Centre is a very valued resource that everyone agrees urgently needs refurbishment. It is hoped that Bromley Council will prioritise the refurbishment of the centre when agreements are reached as to how money reserved for these kinds of projects is spent.
I regularly used the pool and the other facilities. I agree that it all needs updating badly. Also my husband has dementia and we use the Saxon centre 3 x a week. This a vital support for us and needs to be considered along with everything else.
Thank you. Yes the Saxon Centre is also another vital resource that needs refurbishing or a new provision provided that meets the needs of the cohort that use the service.
Sort out the heating, a bit of referbing on the bits that are decaying would be great but the spaces are fabulas for classes , sports, and kids enjoyment, cafe is great. It’s used by all ages and this needs to continue.the pool ideally should open to the public to 8.00pm as it has done in the past. Parking is needed and people use . Sainsbury’s Tesco’s and the walnuts and the road, this needs to continue.
IMO A decent sized Swimming Pool is an absolute essential centrepiece, for any redevelopment / refurbishment of the Orpington leisure centre. All the other facilities are good to have, but alternatives can be found. I am concerned that whilst work is completed, the pool must be maintained. Not sure how this can be achieved though?
But I’m sure that in the 21st century, a solution can be found.
Yes everyone would want the Leisure Centre to be closed for the shortest time possible. Closure for a period of time to allow refurbishment is inevitable. I suppose it is about being creative and exploring ways to minimise disruption.
The Leisure Centre provides so much for people of all ages and abilities and must be part of Orpington going forward. A full size pool for the many swimmers and classes, a smaller pool for the children and more fearful are both essential. My family have used it for the past 30 years since coming to Orpington – from the swimming/trampoline/football/soft play/ for the youngsters to the courts, the gym, the rooms for pilates etc for the older, and we know many families like us. The staff and teachers work hard to make the experience there a good one, but the facilities are really shabby and dilapidated these days, and of course there is the issue of the boiler… We need and we deserve a good leisure centre here, it is clearly used extensively and well by so many of us and is important for the physical and mental health of so many. It is time Bromley Council invested in our Leisure Centre and in the opportunities it offers so many of us. I would hate for it it be closed for too long, but I would like a well thought out plan for improvement and for it to continue to be at the heart of our community.
The Leisure Centre is a very valued resource that everyone agrees urgently needs updating.
Let’s hope that the refurbishment especially the pool area ,will be a priority so that the people of Orpington and surrounding areas can use these facilities for their enjoyment and wellbeing
The pool is a valuable asset to Orpington. There are many gyms but not many pools in the area. It needs its own efficient heating system not shared with other sites. Lockers should be robust, locks not prone to failure. Ideally remedial work and closure should be as brief as possible but to a high standard and long lasting. Keep the steam room and sauna which are unique facilities.
Hi. My preference for the leisure centre would be to a) keep it on the current site / close to the high street to maintain footfall for the high street. With speculation that the building housing Sainsburys might be sold by Bromley council – is that a large enough site on which to build a new centre ? This would solve b) which is my preference to close and rebuild rather than try to renovate whilst keeping some of the existing centre open.
It might be worth exploring how many private swimming pools exist within 3-5 miles of the current Walnuts site (e.g. operated by local schools) to see if existing facilities can be utilised as part of the overall solution.
Another person suggested that the Sainsbury site would be an ideal site for a new build leisure centre. The lease is for sale. It may be a developer, even Areli, would be interested in the site. I think in regard to this site it is watch this space. Would Sainsbury want to leave the site? I think they are subject to a secure tenancy regardless as to whether the lease is sold or not.
I hear that Walnuts redevelopment is back on the agenda and note:
1. The retail side is looking tired and needs rethinking.
2. Any redevelopment should include as much leisure is currently available and should include a large swimming pool.
3. Any flat development should be restricted to, say, 10 stories as otherwise it will be overpowering to other amenities.
4. The flats should be mostly affordable units.
Currently Areli have not started any consultations or submitted a new planning application however we do know that the Leisure Centre will not feature in any future Areli plans. Bromley have stated they will refurbish the pool but as yet this has not been costed and funds agreed.
We are very lucky to have such a great facility on our door step
I think everything should be done to keep the facilities and where possible for them to be enhanced.
I use the pool and the courts regularly.
I note that bookings can be maxed out so anything to expand them would be greatly appreciated
I suppose the fact some classes are full is evidence of their popularity. That is a good thing, but yes it would be good if the popular classes could be put on more often.
The leisure centre is needed for both the physical and mental wellbeing of the residents of Orpington. The government are encouraging exercise and the centre is vital to enable this. The centre needs to be modernised but the basics are already there. It does not need to be rebuilt. The current choice of classes and activities are great. They cannot be lost
This general statement reflects my views.”The Leisure Centre is a very valued resource that everyone agrees urgently needs updating.Let’s hope that the refurbishment especially the pool area ,will be a priority so that the people of Orpington and surrounding areas can use these facilities for their enjoyment and well being”
The big problem is the boilers. These should be replaced, and we will have to put up with closing the pools while this happens – I hope it can be done in weeks not months.
Other improvements should be done while keeping the Leisure Centre open as far as possible.
While there are many things we would like to see in the Leisure Centre, I do not think the Leisure Centre should be demolished and rebuilt, or have work doing which means complete closure for a long period of time.
I think that is the sentiment of many. However to bring the Leisure centre upto 21st century standards we may have to accept we will be without facilities for a while as the scope of the work necessary is very broad.
Yes ! Great idea ! revamp Leisure centre ,keep the pool but upgrade it ,very important for health and tourism .Outside near BR6 ,make it less concrete more green ,mini golf ,more cafes wine bars make it a continental feel .Reduce rates so that small businesses can come in with little gift shop boutiques .
As a full member of my time. I feel it is shameful the way the leisure centre is being run down..
After successfully deflecting the horrendous development that was proposed recently, surely it is obvious how essential the leisure centre is to the local community and should receive the funding it needs to refurbish the site and bring it back to the thriving centre it once was.
As a local resident who frequently uses the leisure centre I find it shameful that the centre has been neglected and seems to have been deliberately rundown. As a major hub for the community surely it demands the funding for the necessary refurbishment .
I’m unclear as to the extent of the councils intentions. Ideally I’d like to see a new, fit for purpose, easily accessible leisure centre built with the current one only closing once the new one is ready. If refurbishment rather than replacement is intended then an absolute must is to replace the boilers. I’ve Lost track of the number of swimming lessons my children have missed because the boiler has failed. I know its not simple because it’s linked to the college but it’s clearly no longer capable of doing the job.
I’d also like to see an overhaul to the swimming changing areas which even after cleaning are still filthy, and repairs to the tiling and general decor around all the teaching pool which are significantly damaged.
The councilneeds to work with the leisure centre management to ensure the creche and cafe are reinstated as these are valuable community services.
Also better use could be made of the large paved area outside the centre entrance. Could this be built upon to extend facilities? It would provide some great group exercise space or something else for children such as the tag quest game they have at White Oaks Leisure Centre. This might provide something for local children who are too old for soft play but not quite old enough to use the gym and other classes on their own.
An overhaul of the facade of the centre, as well as better directional signage from the High Street and shopping centre could be used to create a bigger presence and make it look.an inviting place to go. Currently it looks forgotten and run down.
No one knows what the scope is yet. In respect of a new build I suppose the question would be where. The Leisure Centre provides footfall for the business community and is centrally located in the town which is served well by public transport.
I love the idea of creating something for slightly older children like tag quest. I do agree all that concrete paving to the entrance of the leisure centre is very ugly and seems to be poor use of space.
Hello, as a local and regular to the Walnuts leisure centre, upgrades to the facilities are really needed.
The pool is well used but needs upgrading, popular classes over the years such as spin classes have always been very oversubscribed do been hard to get a place in the class. So maybe a better use of space.
As a family or 4 we have used most of the facilities over the years and staff have always been good, but upgrades are desperately needed, especially when we are compared to the Spa in Beckenham with better facilities and upgrades.
Please invest in more family leisure.
Many thanks
Thank you. I think there has been universal praise for the staff who lead classes. They are a great asset. As you state it is the infrastructure that is letting things down so badly.
I have a young family and we use the the leisure centre very frequently and can see how it’s the heart of the community as people from all age groups use it’s facilities – I agree it’s in urgent need of refurbishment as the staff do the best they can but it’s constantly breaking down – I would welcome a solution whereby the leisure centre can be refurbished whilst minimising the time it is closed as I think l was the case with other local leisure centres that were recently refurbished.
I have been using the walnuts leisure centre for years, mostly swimming but also gym, badminton and physio appointments. Leisure facilities like this are not a luxury, they are essential to the health and wellbeing of the community. The Walnuts is also essential to the vibrancy of the town centre and the financial health of the retailers through all the peopl it attracts. The Walnuts is now a bit tired. With the population in the area increasing, now is the perfect time to refresh the facilities and scale it to cater for more people. The large precinct outside the entrance provides scope to expand the facilities. A 50M pool is needed in the borough and there is space. Apart from that, it is mostly a case of bringing the facilities into the 2020s.
Thanks for your comments. Yes there are options when considering a refurbishment. Could the pool be increased to 50metres? What can be done to improve the concrete square at the front of the Leisure Centre to better use the space and make it more attractive?
The upgrade of this facility for Orpington is crucial for the well being of the community and of individuals. Orpington feels the poor relation in the Borough of Bromley and investment in this facility would be good for everyone and good use of LBB reserves.
Yes when Bromley recently published where they spent money in the last financial year there did not seem to be many projects in and around the Orpington area.
I don’t think an out of town temporary replacement will be accessible by public transport, therefore I do not believe that this will be a valid solution. Plus it’s being in the town centre is a massive bonus to the town and the users of the shops and the Walnuts.
I would like the centre to stay open during refurbishment.
Disabilities and those with chronic injury need to be considered – the pool might be critical for them; and so may the gym be for others.
I don’t think that cleanliness should be merged into discussions about refurbishment as that is a current management issue. There are some points of construction which could improve cleanliness e.g. the sauna floor tiles are newish but were incorrectly laid so that there is always a pool of water.
Please can you clarify whether the management are bound to a service contract which means that they have to pay more than market rates for services. e.g. the local myth that the new sauna door cost £2000 – unless that is the market rate?
Some years ago cleanliness was a persistent problem in the wet change areas. This improved but there are still brown water pools and trails on the flooring around the main pool. It’s the public who make the changing rooms dirty by leaving used nappies in the cubicles or not wearing the shoe covers. The reception areas always look clean to me. I don’t think that the wet change flooring needs to be changed for something cheaper and less robust – so it would be unfortunate if plumbing works required that to be dug up.
I would like the general management attitude toward the public to improve. The staff who work with the public do their best and often they are lovely; but decisions with yes/no response from management, over years, have given me a general impression that there’s a touch of distain. HOWEVER they should consult users on the refurbishment and not ignore them.
I don’t think Mytime have any direct responsibility for maintenance of the Walnuts Leisure Centre although they do for some of the newer leisure centres. Bromley is responsible for maintenance but I would not know how they contract for work to be undertaken. In respect of cleanliness I appreciate it is a separate issue but I think the problems are exacerbated by how tired the fabric of the building is in places. Tiling is not great. I think closures during refurb work should be kept to a minimum but it is unrealistic to expect the building to be refurbished without some amenities being closed for periods of time.
We use the walnuts leisure centre atleast twice a week for both my kids swimming classes and planning to join myself too next month.
Would love to see the current facilities upgraded with minimal closure time similar to Swanley leisure centre. The tiles in the swimming area can definitely use an update
Thank you for your feedback. Swanley was a new build and the old LC remained open whilst work was completed. They were in a fortunate position of having quite a bit of land available to them.
The Walnuts sports centre has been used consistently by my children whilst they were growing up. The had the inflatable in the pool Saturday. The ball park for letting of steam, play and exercise. The Friday might roller discos and half term holiday play schemes. Swimming lessons and somewhere safe for them to play with other children. Without these facilities children and parents have nowhere affordable which is fun, safe, healthy for all children, parents and families. The leisure is so much more than a gym and a pool, it a community centre hub. It’s good for people’s physical and mental health.
Hi. I’m a bit late in commenting on the Leisure Centre.
During the Council Elections in 2022, throughout the Planning campaign, and when I have been on various street stalls the Leisure Centre has been a major talking point and of concern that it might be closed for whatever reason. The overwhelming comments have been ‘it’s great but it needs looking after’. The council has not done this. NOW it need developing into something that will serve the whole community for the the next 40 years at least. This is a council facility (OUR facility) and should remain so! The future means an enhanced facility NOT a social gym for apartment dwellers. AS well as activity spaces a swimming pool is obviously the main facility and essential to provide initial swimming lessons, and later in life support for heath. Then there’s everything in between! Race-training, Competitions, Schools swim training, Swim Clubs, Aqua-Dance, Family sessions, Aqua-play, Paddleboarding Yoga, Paddleboarding Polo, Watersports safety training, Just so much!!! Any refurbishment should not just be to replace what is there but to include a vison for the future! This place is ideally located in the heart of Orpington to thrive and flourish. Let’s hope the Council can grasp the opportunity here!!
I don’t use the Walnuts but I know a lot who do. More than anything we need more decent shops , back in the High Street. Wilko and Pound Land, I understand one of them have negotiated a further 1 year lease but the other will be gone. The butchers at the bottom of the street has closed down. The Pub is supposed to be redeveloped into flats . We need shops as we used to have like Marks & Spencer and good clothing shops, although they are now in the Nugent Centre, and they were supposed, to be enlarging their store but don’t think it now will! If there was some better furnishing shops like Thornbroughs to name but a few, instead of all the cheap jack stores that are now around, and people used the Cinema, which I know couldn’t through covid, then there would be more of a community, hopefully!!
Thank you. These are all important issues although at this point in time our focus is on the Leisure Centre. I expect the retail offer will be debated a great deal if/ when Areli put in a fresh planning application
The Walnuts Leisure centre is a major part of Orpington for all ages. The need for peoples health and wellbeing is so important. But the constant problems with the showers and pool are so frequent.
The building and leisure facility built in the early 70’s has had very little spent on it to keep up with the demand of use. Isn’t it time Bromley council stopped ignoring the situation and dealt with the issues by way of a refurbishment this would be better and cause only a short term disruption for the future of the leisure centre and all its visitors young and old to enjoy.
I was there on Sunday, waiting for my kids to arrive so that we could all go swimming.
1. The Buzz Zone soft play area was PACKED.
2. The Roller skate lessons were popular
3. People playing squash.
4. Classes and gym workouts.
The place was BUSY.
The pool is seriously letting the whole centre down.
A 33m pool to any swimmer generally loves the extra 8m per length. There are hundreds of kids using the pool per week for lessons (schools also HAVE to do swimming as part of KS2 PE. All kids should learn how to swim 25m by the end of primary school).
A 50 metre pool would be the crowning jewel of the south east, competitors and professionals would flock to the area to use the facilities, creating much more opportunity. Why not create something even better – and rip out the boiler while you’re at it so that we may get reliable pool and shower temperatures!
The price of swimming has gone up again, making Bromley leisure centres (including the Walnuts) more expensive than swimming at centres in neighbouring boroughs and at White Oak Centre in Swanley. When coupled with the boiler issues and the indifference shown by Bromley Council, it looks like the only option is to use centres in neighbouring boroughs or Swanley. So sick of the excuses made by Bromley Council and MyTimeActive.
Yes Bromley will need to think carefully about this. If people start using neighbouring resources that will impact on footfall into Orpington Town Centre.
The Walnuts Leisure Centre is an essential part of Orpington town and must be maintained to provide the whole community with an opportunity to lead an active lifestyle. It currently supports all age groups with accessibility for all and many use the facility to support their well being.
The pool is the centre of the Ojays swimming club whose swimmers & supporters revenue is lucrative to the town. They could certainly benefit from a larger, much improved swimming pool and facilities.
Due to the current closure of the hydrotherapy pool at Orpington Hospital, the Walnuts pool is essential for injury recovery. New plans should consider this when designing the children’s pool area.
A more modern, larger, affordable facility would benefit the whole community
Yes there is a theme as to the benefit to the whole community including the business community of having a fully functioning, well equipped and modernised leisure centre.
The existence of the leisure centre in terms of serving the health and social needs of all members of the community cannot be under-estimated. Nor can the location as it’s served well by public transport. The size of the pool is fine and doesn’t need to be extended in my opinion, however the floor is pretty grubby. The boiler needs replacing, the changing room lockers and shower facilities require improvement too. The general cleanliness of the changing rooms is poor – I don’t expect to see cockroaches (alive and dead) whilst I’m changing. The steam and sauna rooms aren’t bigger enough for the number of users. The gym equipment’s fine but the flooring and general decor could be refreshed.
The walnuts is a disgrace. Take your money but boiler is constantly broken. Freezing cold water. My children have swimming lessons and can’t have a shower there. By the time they finish it’s late and now have to bath them when at home as well as feed them and so late to bed. Walnuts staff don’t care. But just put the prices up and that’s fine!! Disgraceful from a council and company perspective. The general public are there customers but no one cares, just take your money attitude!
I can imagine no showers with young children is an inconvenience and cancelled classes a real pain. Children need to be attending regularly to learn to swim and improve.
The Walnuts is an invaluable part of our town. The swimming lessons here are fantastic and my daughter has improved in such a short amount of time. The only thing effecting her learning this lifesaving skill is the constant closures of the pool due to the lack of investment. I have used the walnuts my entire life and it hasn’t been given the money or love it deserves. This is not just a sports facility offering a place for people to exercise. It’s a meeting place where parents offer each other therapy over coffee as the kids run riot in softplay. It’s a party venue where families make priceless memories. It’s providing lifesaving, essential skills to the whole community at an affordable cost. We cannot be without this facility and really deserves some investment.
I think the leisure centre should close for a period of time while a full refurbishment is carried out. I think this would give us the most bang for our buck. They need to completely refurbish toilets, and possibly a full plumbing over haul across the entire building. The soft play needs air conditioning. They need to bring back the creche which enables families with small children to get some exercise while their children are watched. It closed during COVID and was never brought back so I was never able to go swimming during my maternity leave as I had no one to watch my baby. The seating by the pool needs a new refit. They need a new kitchen so they can offer a better catering menu. Have they stopped offering hot food altogether now? I know you can no longer order hot meals in the softplay. I think the layout and space of the leisure centre works well and it just needs an upgrade to bring it into the modern era and provide a setting that fits the price tag!
I think the refurb needs to happen immediately. We can’t go on with the pool being closed constantly. My children have junior membership but I’m considering cancelling because we are not using it enough to warrant the monthly cost and this is partly because the pool is out of order most of the time. This is also cancelling swimming lessons. I’m sure members and subscribers will be demanding money back left right and centre as they are not offering the service people are paying for. Softplay now costs in excess of £8 per child and when I went on Saturday they had no functioning toilets and you had to go to the changing rooms which is not ideal if you are a lone parent with more than one child.
Thank you so much for your views. I think most people agree that an urgent overhaul is required. It seems a pity that the crèche has not been reinstated and the frequent lack of toilet facilities in the soft play area is totally unacceptable.
The Walnuts is a very well used facility and should be refurbished or replaced with something at least equivalent. Even in current state it is a big draw to the town centre. My children both swim there with OJays and my elderly mother stays active at the classes. A long delay for a rebuild would stop both generations from having that immediate benefit, but I’m interested in what options the scoping exercise throws up.
At the very very least, the near-constant boiler problems need solving, permanently. The pool seems to be closed 50% of the time. I think Bromley council should be embarrassed.
The current centre is being heavily used, and something needs to be done to improve things especially as the swimming pool is closed quite frequently The leisure centre is in a disgraceful state and urgently needs a comprehensive refurbishment or preferably a total rebuild.
I appreciate the difficulties and greater expense that would occur if it were to be rebuilt but I think in the long term it would be a far better option. The current building is about 50 years old and looks very tired both inside and out and is of a bad design for modern use. If a new building was provided it would be a great opportunity to provide a 50 metre swimming pool, there are no other pools of this length in the south now that the Crystal Palace pool is closed. The council has plenty of money in reserve, let’s see them spend some of it on a top rate facility.
Furthermore there isn’t a decent pool in Bromley town centre!
It is a sad state of affairs when the local leisure centre, a very well used facility for a number of sports and activities, is left underfunded and neglected to now be in its current state, which is unacceptable to many local residents and users. A number the advertised classes, especially those in the pool, are often cancelled due to the boiler breaking down and to the current state of disrepair of the changing rooms; its becoming more frequent and is disappointing and frustrating for all. I think urgent action and funding is required to remedy this building to once again make Orpington proud of The Walnuts as a central community hub. Come on Bromley Council – refurbish the leisure centre and the facilities so that it is fit for purpose in the 21st century – no more sticking plasters, no more excuses, just do it!
The Walnuts Leisure centre is very important to the community of Orpington. For our health and mental wellbeing. It provides a central hub for so many different groups of people. Having gone through Covid it shows even more so that communities need these places. I am a regular user of the swimming pool and although there are other swimming pools in the borough, none of them are convenient for me to get to and none of them have a 33 metre length pool
The Walnuts needs to stay and the council need to invest a lot of money to update the centre. It doesn’t need to be knocked down. Our membership has just been increased and I think we need to see where that money is going. Save our Walnuts LC !!
The current health and fitness offerings at the walnuts are not fit for purpose. I would like Bromley to ‘think big’ and ensure that our leisure centre is world class and well cared for. I’m sure that the present building can be refurbished to a very high standard inside and out. I hope that the committee will think very carefully before making their decision as reducing the facilities on offer would be unacceptable.
I have used The Walnuts all my life, and it’s sad to see it in such a sorry state now. It is in desperate need of a complete refurb, which it must have as the only competitively priced supplier of health and well-being services in Orpington. I also think that a refurb would massively increase revenue, both by increasing numbers of users and spend per user, through a better cafe, more kids parties etc. I take my daughter to soft play and would spend on food and drink if there were any nice options and the place didn’t feel so filthy.
Yes a refurbishment I am sure would attract new members and encourage perhaps those who have left to renew their membership. That would be good for the Town and local businesses.
I posted this on the facebook page also
This website needs to be found on search engines, If you google nuts4orpington or nuts to the walnuts it doesn’t bring up the website? One of the first things to come up is “the walnuts quarter”! What we don’t want.
I believe you can do things to make websites more searchable?
Roger thank you for this. We will look to see if there is anything we can do.
I am a full-time wheelchair user and regularly use the gym and would like to use the pool also. The initial planning application was not going to allow me to continue to use the facilities as I use a power chair. I wasn’t against the redevelopment of the leisure centre but the tower blocks in the application. Is there a way to do gradual redevelopment like with the swanley leisure centre where facilities only closed for 2weeks during the changeover.
The Swanley Leisure Centre as far as I am aware was kept open whilst a new Leisure Centre was built alongside. That development included housing. I think closures during the course of a refurbishment is inevitable but hopefully they will be a short as possible.
Walnuts pools are closed yet again.. it desperately needs a refurbishment ideally whilst still open. Lessons are wonderful it’s just the facilities that let it down.
Everybody seems to agree that the Walnuts needs urgent refurbishment.
Hi Roger,
thanks for your feedback.
We have considered this option to advertise on search engines, however this is expensive and would tie us into a long term contract.
The problem is that key words within Google searches can be difficult to make sites found easily.
Possibly key words such as “Nuts To The Walnuts”, “Walnuts Campaign”, something accurate but using as few words as possible.
I think that the best thing would be just a revamp of the pool ( been same for years) bare minimum. That has not changed in years.
More swimming fun times floats and things at certain times. Also possibly open later.
Thank you for your input.
Re: the leisure centre. This is a town facility which we cannot lose! Any replacement needs to be at least as good (have the same facilities) or better/bigger for our expanding population. If there is to be a rebuild, that would be the ideal time to go for a 50m pool which is so so lacking in the south east and would bring so much revenue to Orpington. The facility needs a cafe where people can wait for kids in lessons, meet friends, chill out after sports etc. The changing facilities need to be clean and there need to be halls for classes, gymnasium for gym clubs, badminton etc. Squash courts as there are very few in the area and an equipped gym and weights room. It is ridiculous to think that any rebuild would be years in the waiting too. These sorts of facilities are imperative for the physical and mentalhealth and wellbeing of the area and for it to disappear for an organisation to make a quick buck building quick profit housing cannot be allowed to happen.
Thank you. The council in the past have provided assurances that any new Leisure Centre built would need to be the same or higher spec than current Leisure Centre in terms of facilities. Nothing specifically was said I don’t think about reverb.
Re the pool, I really value it and use it regularly.
I think a re-tiling exercise would make a big improvement , and be minimally disruptive.
The tiles in the pool itself are grey and tired. The tiling on the floor surrounding the pool, and in the wet changing room and showers are uneven, and therefore get pooled with water. It is clearly hard for the cleaning staff to do a proper job.
Agree that the fabric of the building exacerbates the problems with keeping it clean and in particular the pool, steam room, changing and shower areas which do not always appear as clean as they could be.
As the leisure center is to be refurbished to bring it back to a high standard. I would like to see all the facilities which are provided at present remain i.e swimming pool / gym/sauna steam room/ squash courts etc.
Attention to lockers in the gym area should be addresed as the majority are outside the changing rooms all lockers should be with in the changing rooms like the swimming area.
As like a lot of people i would like to see the refurbishment’s done in stages.
We are hoping that Bromley will refurbish the Leisure Centre.
Well, as a user, it does need refurbishment. But it is only going to be cosmetic for most areas. Ideally, upgrade the heating for the pool, which keeps breaking down. It really needs more space, a larger gym area, more studio spaces for classes. But that would require building work and some clever design work.
The scope of the work, possible structural changes is something that has to be decided. Mytime have commented before that space is not best utilised in the setting.
Great opportunity to extend the pool to 50m which would be one of the only ones in the south east and would attract more swimmers especially as Crystal Palace athletics centre is now closed. If the centre is to be improved a bowling alley would attract large numbers especially if there is a decent bar and restaurant which would bring in many new customers
Thanks. Yes we have thought before about additional leisure services that would improve footfall into the Town.
I believe that the people of our area should have a decent pool and facilities.
With mental health being one of the problems that more people are experiencing a leisure centre is imperative for relaxation, one that is open every day and be operational is indeed urgently needed.
Yes the Leisure Centre benefits people in so many different ways
It would be great if Bromley council could have a vision of how the sports centre could be improved, modernised, made larger and brought up to date. It is a vital centre for so many people . I appreciate the group of people who volunteer their time to nutstothewalnuts.
Thanks for your kind comments about NttW. Let’s hope Bromley do have a vision for the Walnuts Leisure Centre.
Glad to add my support to the campaign!
Thank you Georgina. Watch this space.
For me, as you enter the complex the reception area and cafe feel clean and modern, but as soon as you step away from there it’s like stepping back into the 80s. So much of the centre unfortunately needs a refit. Top of my list is the pool areas and wet changing rooms which are now not just tired but broken and in disrepair, look at the spectator seating and lockers for very visable examples.
As others have said what an opportunity to extend the pool to 50m making use of the useless concrete forecourt. If the councillors were looking to leave a great legacy this would be it… delivering a landmark competition standard pool.
Thank you. Just as a point for consideration if the pool was extended I assume it would mean we would be longer without a swimming pool in the Town Centre as it would involve more work. Not suggesting that is a deal breaker just something to think about
Yep probably true. But surely the purpose of a scoping exercise is to look at various options and associated costs (£££ as well as time etc). From there you make reasoned decisions with full info.
The full remit is not known. The communication received from the RRH via Councillor Botting read “ as regards to the future of the Walnuts, with Areli no longer proposing a redevelopment of the leisure centre, funds have been allocated to undertake a full assessment of what is required to bring the centre up to a fit for purpose standard. This work has been commissioned and the outcome is expected within 2 months. It will then be for members to review the proposals and decide how to proceed.”
This is good news. However it is acknowledged that this communication does not refer to wider options, such as a new build etc.
What a great idea to have a website as well as a Facebook group! This is a good addition to everything previously done by NTTW group.
thanks, we now have a presence on Facebook, Twitter and a website.
Plus a Youtube channel as well.
We look forward to hearing from people who hold an interest in what is to happen to Orpington. We as a campaign group are eagerly awaiting the next round of consultations before Areli submit a new planning application. We will attempt to keep the residents of Orpington as informed as we possibly can.
This website is to reach people who do not use Facebook or who would prefer to access info from a website. Please spread the word about the website.
I can only agree with all comments about the leisure centre. The health of the community cannot be underestimated. The swimming pool should be expanded to 50m and all facilities need upgrading, including changing rooms, gym football and squash courts. As already mentioned, thus will also generate interest from surrounding areas.
Yes and also be beneficial to the local business community.
I hated the idea that Walnut Centre was going to be primarily a residential site taking as long as 5 years of disruption.
Yes, like many Leisure Centre shd be refurbished even though I don’t use it since my school days in the 20th century.
It be good to have a few more households names restaurants/fast food e.g. Itsu now open in Bromley Glades Ctr. We got 2 Costa coffee outlets that are doing well. Shame Bella Pasta premises remain empty for so long probably due to lockdown putting prospective leaseholders off.
Why was the Nugent shopping development NOT built at the Walnut Centre all those years ago? This is the sort of shopping area I like to see. Then I was NOT living in Orpington when Nugent was built.
Thanks for confirming your support for the refurbishment of the Leisure Centre
It is good to have a website that I can point people to who are not on Facebook.
This will help spread the Nuts campaign further afield, thank you!
thanks, that was one of our aims, to reach people who are not keen or comfortable with using Social Media.
Good you now have a website as a number of people are not on Facebook and information is much more accessible here. As someone living in central Orpington and directly affected by any new development, I fully endorse your campaign/objections to date and also support both your vision for the future and the comments made in response to the SPD, all of which very much mirror comments I have made separately.
Good news that the original planning application was withdrawn but we need to ensure that our vision comes through both in the final SPD and, crucially, in all discussions with Areli around revised plans. It would be a very sad day if the views of over 3,000 local people / over 90% of those commenting were ignored.
Well done on getting the website up.
I hope it brings forth some good ideas about the type and scale of development needed to help regenerate central Orpington.
Planning Objections
I think it’s important to better highlight the ‘invalid’ types of objections as many people made their objections based on loss of views, potential drop in property values, construction disturbance etc. These have to be discounted by the Planning Committee during the formal consideration process because they are not related to the policies of the Bromley Local Plan or the London Plan. These are mentioned at the bottom of your page on Plannig Objections but I think it needs to be clearer that these kind of objections cannot be considered by the Committee because they don’t specifically address the individual Policies in the plans.
Restrictions applying to Councillors on the Planning Committee
I also think it’s important to point out clearly that Councillors who sit on the Planning Committee are not permitted to express their views either for or against any application prior to the full Committee actually considering the proposal. If they do express an opinion one way or the other before the application is formally considered then they are classed as ‘pre-determined’ and are therefore not eligible to actually vote on the application, despite being on the Committee.
Since the original application has been withdrawn that means it has still not been formally considered by the Planning Committee and therefore the Councillors who actually sit on the Committee still cannot express a personal view whilst awaiting a possible revised application.
There was a lot of flack and personal criticism of individual Councillors prior to the Areli plan being withdrawn because people did not understand that the Councillors cannot express a personal view prior to any application actually coming before the Committee for formal consideration. A better understanding of this might reduce the amount of personal aggression and abuse previously evidenced on NextDoor.
Thank you for your very helpful feedback. I agree many people did object on grounds that were invalid. We will review that page to make sure the information is as clear as possible. I also take on board the point you make about pre determination. I think this is something we will revisit when Areli submit their fresh planning application. We as a campaign group wish to have a good working relationship with all councillors.
Are we certain that Areli will submit another application?
Hello. Directed from Facebook. Read the Walnuts page. Well done.nis this true?
“ The Local Authority have stated they will meet the cost of the refurbishment of the Leisure Centre.”
More details please!
Councillor Tunnicliffe stated at the Residents meeting for Petts Wood and Knoll in late November that Areli would not be including the leisure centre in any future plans and the cost of refurbishment of the Leisure Cemtte would sit with Bromley Council.
With regards to the future of the walnuts leisure centre, my personal preference would be for the current centre to be refurbished whilst remaining open, however I would also support the temporary closure with relocation of current services to other local centres (biggin hill, Bromley, beckham), although any form of closure would be inconvenient I believe that the local community would be understanding if it means that the centre can be saved.
The walnuts leisure centre has been at the heart of the town centre for decades, it is a valued resource used by a wide verity of local residents and should remain that way. An out of town replacement would not be as accessible to all and would and to the decimation of the high street.
I also understand (from speaking to staff) that swimming pools of this size are hard to find these days and a smaller replacement would mean that the swimming club would have to relocate and the number of swimming lessons would have to be reduced, both of which would be anabsolute catastrophe.
I sincerely hope that Bromley council will understand the importance of the Walnuts to the local people and do the right thing by fully funding the renovation of the centre.
My observation is that having successfully pushed back on Areli’s plans and the impact to the Leisure Centre, we are now hearing that it is often not functioning and needs significant investment.
I am surprised that anyone believes that a refurbishment will not take a considerable amount of cost (tens of millions) and time, 18-24 months and likely to be shut down most of that time. Therefore likely to have the same impact as pulling it down and starting again. However, now there is not a developer to pay for it.
It now feels like we have got what we asked for, status quo and no change, just an ongoing decline of the Town.
Bromley Council estimate that the cost of refurbishment is approximately £10million which is less than half the cost of building a Leisure Centre from scratch according to their figures. The length of time to refurbish has not been given but it has been cited that a refurbishment would take a lot less time than a rebuild. That makes sense really. I know some Leisure Centre users are requesting that a “piecemeal” approach is taken to the refurb project meaning that any resource ie swimming pool, sports hall, gym will be closed for the minimum time possible.
As to whether Areli comes forward with an alternative planning application, no one knows. This will be dependent I would assume on them maintaining healthy profit margins. Whether that is achievable in the market as it stands today I do not know. I would imagine envisaged profit margins have decreased significantly since when the land was acquired by Areli.
In regards to the redevelopment of the walnuts leisure centre, my opinion, as a long term user of the services, is that the council will see how much the leisure centre means to the people around it. It is one of the main land marks of Orpington and caters for young and old. It is though in desperate need for redevelopment as the services, especially the pool, are sketchy at best. WE DO NOT WANT IT KNOCKED DOWN, it is too important, it provides many school swimming lessons and is home to the o Jay’s swimming club a new leisure centre is unlikely to be suitable for these. I understand that we would be unable to use all the services whist redevelopment takes place but that is already the situation. We don’t want something new we just want a walnuts that works.
Thank you.
I would have significant reservations on Bromley Councils estimate for the refurbishment. They have not completed anything of a similar nature within the Borough for the past 20-30 years.
Refurbishment e.g. increasing the size of the pool to 50m and all of the improvements required would mean the closure of the pool for a significant amount of time, minimum 18-24 months.
I would suggest we ask some people that do this for a living such as a local person that was the Project Manager for the Olympics Pool. They will have a much better idea of the cost and time.
How do we get Bromley Council to make a financial commitment to this project?
We have just been informed a scoping exercise re costing of refurbing the Leisure Centre will be completed within the next two months. Hopefully feedback we receive can help inform that scoping exercise. It may be, I don’t know that a number of different scenarios for the leisure centre will be costed.
The leisure centre is very outdated and is always closing parts of it for various reasons. The pool changing rooms are old and not appealing. I used this facility with my small children but now as pensioner I no longer would. If it was updated I would certainly use it and I’m sure it would attract more retired people. If it was updated it would attract more of the young if it remained in the heart of Orpington.
Yes and would be good news for businesses in the High Street with increased footfall to a modern and fit for purpose Leisure Centre.
I agree with O’jays swimming club. I wish for the leisure centre & pool remain open during the refurbishment of the centre.
Thank you for your input.
I believe Bromley council should spend the money to refurbish the leisure centre. The centre is an asset to the community and could be vastly improved if the open area at the front of the building was taken in to the new development. Properly designed the facilities would be well used by the residents. Ideally the centre should remain open during redevelopment but if it were to close to allow the works to be completed more quickly then I reluctantly would support closure for the duration of the works.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
The walnuts leisure centre provides a vital resource for Orpington community . All of the resources especially the pool are widely used, both by the local population and those that travel from neighbouring boroughs to use the larger pool. Looking at the example of other areas (Guildford) that have developed and enhanced their leisure facilities income generation is a possibility. However the needs of the local population are paramount. The building is old and tired and the plumbing needs a complete overhaul.
Having said that refurbishment must be considered as the option causing the least environmental impact. Whilst the size of the pool is a contentious issue. It does not meet the standards required for competitive swim meets. There are a good many of service users such as myself who love the larger pool. Personally I would advocate refurbishment of the current much loved facility. I would also suggest that if the current building of new homes reflects an increase in the population then consideration should be given to the development of another leisure facility with a competition sized pool. Bromley Borough has more than enough cash reserves to maintain its public facilities. The council should remember that this money belongs to the Borough and divesting themselves of public resources is in conflict with the well-being of the people they have been elected to serve. Any public facility will require ongoing and costly maintenance. And should be budgeted for.
Thank you for your response
I fully support the refurbishment of the leisure centre
Bromley did a good job of the reception area but that is as far as it went. The squash courts are dilapidated and the pool and especially the viewing gallery needs an over hall. There are not that many large pools in the area and whilst 33m is not competition standard I do not want the pool to be made smaller. Could the pool be extended in any way across the empty outside concrete area? I am not in favour of closure but if the pool was to be refurbished and even extended to 50m it would be the only 50m pool in Kent and would really put Orpington on the map! I believe the 50m pool at Crystal Palace remains closed. The leisure centre really is the heart of the town and deserves its place here in the centre of town
Thanks for your response. The idea of extending the pool to 50metres if possible would really put the Leisure Centre on the map.
With regard to the Leisure Centre I think it would be better to refurbish the existing building-it is in a perfect location, the size is adequate and the work could be done in stages to limit the inconvenience. We should be lobbying our Councillors to ensure that Bromley invest the necessary money before the centre deteriorates any further.
Thank you for your views
I agree with the Ojays that any refurbishment should be done whilst other areas remain open which the Walnuts has managed to do over many years. To consider moving it would be detrimental to facilities we have and no way would the community get everything that we already have. (I.e a pool the same size)There are issues that needs amending like a new boiler and often the air con is playing up. But you can’t knock the facilities that this place offers and where it stands in the midst of our local town.
Thank you for your contribution.
I am a regular user of the walnut leisure centre especially the swimming pool and would be devasted if we loose this community centre. Money should be spent to keep this place open to all.
That is what we will be campaigning hard to ensure that Orpington keeps this vital resource
I would also like the pool to remain open whilst it’s refurbished. It is an invaluable tool for our collective wellbeing both mentally and physically. It is the most popular pool in the area and also the largest. I would actually advocate for later opening times as currently general public use is limited in the evenings as clubs and lessons take priority. The boiler situation is a nightmare, another need is for better parking although I appreciate this is not simple. The monthly footfall clearly shows the need of the facility by all and everything should be done to keep it going.
The only alternative would be a purpose built gym/sports hall/pool of the same
Size built on council land nearby before anything happens to the existing one – again a very difficult situation and to the further detriment of the high street. Whatever the solution The pool and sports facilities downtime must be kept to a minimum.
Thanks for your input
I don’t want an out of town pool even if it is temporary, I am disabled and don’t drive. I love going swimming but after I come out I can just about manage the one bus home. Also the disabled access to the pool is horrible. You have that chair that needs assistance and let’s everyone know you’re disabled. Some proper steps going into the water with a handrail would be fantastic, like White Oaks has. Also need better changing rooms, there’s one little ledge in there which as well as the floor is often wet and as I need to sit down to get dressed there’s then nowhere to put my clothes without them getting wet too. Get rid of cockroaches too.
Thank you. Your insight into what would benefit people with mobility difficulties is very useful and needs to be taken into consideration when/ if refurbishment of the Leisure Centre commences.
Regarding the leisure centre:
The WLC is in desperate need of rejuvenation… I am a frequent user of the soft play and although its relatively clean, it is in desperate need of an upgrade.. Parts of it are still cordened off from covid.. There are quite a few patches covered with hazard tape…more to the point, for the last couple weeks the toilets are out of order! Imagine the situation, a toddler comes running up to you needing “a wee” you then be to carry them through to the swimming, locker room toilets… Really not ideal. Which I had to do last week. These toilets are horrendous! Dirty and rusty pipes in the cubicle and an unpleasant smell.
During the holidays we, (2 adults & 4 3 year old) do sometimes visit the teaching pool. However I do find due to “boiler issues” the swimming pool is regularly out of order.
I’ve download the “Mytime Active” app, which I do find useful it’s easy to use and nagivate. Most of the notifications are around the swimming pools being out of order or there being no hot water.. 5 alerts alone in December!
Would love to see some tlc put into this Centre!
As a grandmother of 4 children aged 4 and under I have visited the Buzz zone fairly regularly. It is one of only a very few resources suitable for pre school age children in an indoor setting in Orpington. I agree when the toilet facilities are out of order it makes life difficult. Thanks for your input.
Firstly, thank you NTTW group for all the hardwork, efforts and involvement thus far.
Regarding the Walnuts pool; both my children and I are regular users but unfortunately this is becoming less so, mostly due to the maintenance issues and frequent closures. My children (8 &6) have their swimming lessons cancelled usually at short notice and without any alternative solution offered – and my swim is often postponed or abandoned due to the pool closures.
The pools and associated facilities need a desperate update and modernisation plan throughout. This includes the infrastructure and plant but also tge general appearance and finishes (seating, steps, changing rooms, etc). I would like to stress that losing the teaching pool, or any reduction in length to the main pool, will be of great detriment to all who rely on the facilities. The other borough pools are 20m or 25m length, some without teaching pools, and are regularly very busy as a result. Similarly, they are not always as conveniently located for use at the requisite times.
Thank you. Yes I think a lot of people appreciate the size of the swimming pool even if the size is a little unorthodox.
Leisure center is not just a family hang out its lifestyle. We all deserve the facilities they offer. My kids regularly swim and play badminton. In todays digital world, leisure center is the only place in Orpington where we can actually have a healthy break from our gadgets and do something meaningful ad healthy.
Thank you. As said it meets the needs of a diverse range of people.
The Walnuts Leisure facility is an important centre for the community, providing a really good range of services for a wide variety of ages. The staff are friendly, highly experienced and wonderful and what is on offer is a high level of service for classes, lifeguards, PTs etc. However the centre itself is dated and struggles with its own issues – the pool/boiler issue is a consistent blocker to using the facilities. This is a real shame for the members and users to not be able to fully use the facilities. We want to keep the leisure centre open but it desperately needs refurbishment, especially the swimming side. I don’t think I have been once where the steam room and the sauna were both functional in the last 3 years. The leisure centre serves an important part of our community and high street, we need something to stay. There are other options of a gym in the high street and Nugent but they do not offer the variety of the leisure centre, such as badminton courts, soft play and swimming. This is what our community needs and desires to keep. A refurbishment while keeping as many services as open as possible would be ideal.
Thank you. Yes we would not want the range of services to be reduced.
We definitely need to get the Leisure Centre refurbished so it’s fot for use. I know that would mean it would be closed for a period of time but I wholeheartedly support your campaign for this. Bromley Council have to be forced to pay for this. It’s an essential part of our community
Thank you. Yes it is a much valued resource for many.
I’m keen for the leisure centre to be updated/upgraded as its currently barely fit for purpose. We use it twice a week for swimming and if it was more attractive would use it more. Plus it’s visited by us for parties etc. An upgrade with minimal disruption to swimming lessons would be amazing, if at all practical. The previous upgrades to Beckenham Leisure centre was fabulous and so valuable to the community.
Thank you. It would be interesting to explore how other Leisure Centres have been successfully refurbished.
The Walnuts Leisure Centre is the jewel in Orpington’s crown. It is immensely important to many residents, including me. There are few towns which have such a community hub, right in the town centre. It’s far more than a place to swim; it’s a place for families, friends, clubs and children to meet to socialise and keep fit. It attracts many people to our town, because despite needing a refurb the facilities are among the best in the borough. The Council recognises this and has promised to refurb. The recent frequent pool closures show that URGENT action needs to be taken. The centre is one of the most diverse places in Orpington in terms of the ages, ethnicity, social backgrounds and ability of the people who use it. It is vital to those managing serious health issues and disabled people. Among the facilities are a: teaching pool, main pool (33m in length), sauna, steam room, sports hall, gym, crèche, café, soft play area for younger children (Buzz Zone). The swimming pools at Biggin Hill, Spa at Beckenham and the West Wickham are too far away. Darrick Wood is far too small. The Pavilion Leisure centre is a fun pool with a wave machine, which is not suitable for lane swimming. The Ojays Swimming Club has successfully trained at the leisure centre and has won many trophies. If the pool was fitted with a 25m boom (a mechanical device used to divide swimming pools into areas), competitions could be held there too. This would be fantastic for the club and attract many visitors to the town centre. Local schools use the centre for class swimming lessons and there are also private group swimming lessons for children. The pool is also used for community events like The World’s Biggest Annual Fundraising Swimathon for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie (May 2022). There are also school holiday activities for children. There are many dryside activities too. Orpington Gymnastic Club also train at the centre in the main sports hall. This promotes the enjoyment of women’s artistic gymnastics in Orpington and surrounding areas for those aged 5 – 18 years old. The disciplines of Floor, Vault, Asymmetric Bars and Beam are taught. There are Multisports classes specifically aimed at disabled youngsters; karate classes for those aged over 13 years and roller skating events. Adult exercise classes include spin, yoga and Pilates. The use of Crofton Halls for Primetime classes highlights the lack of facilities in community halls. There are no showers, no changing facilities and no lockers. If NttW could help in letting the Council know how urgent the refurb is that would be brilliant.
Thanks so much for this passionate comment reminding people just how important this resource is to us all. Let’s hope the Council makes us all proud by providing an updated and improved resource.
I agree totally Julia we really need to keep our Leisure centre and give it the update it so badly needs. Then it is essential that the maintenance of the facilities is efficient and regular. Things have been allowed to fall apart for far too long. There are companies that specialise in modernising swimming pools and the results can be stunning. It would be good if the council consulted with true experts during their scoping excercise instead of simply trying to find the cheapest but not necessarily best contractors.
I would like to see the leisure centre deep cleaned. It does look tired. It’s good the locker keys have been replaced but shame not in the same coloured plastic. On a postive note the pool is a lovely size and if it was 50 metres would bring people to the town for competitions from the whole of the uk. We have premier inn for bed and board and numerous eating places in the town. Making it an idea thing to do. We could do with steps at the shallow end. The steps Would help people to entrance and exit the pool. People with disabilities find the existing metal
Steps difficult to pull themselves out. I think schools should have assistances so the girls and boys do not spare the same changing rooms . The pool is great as not too shallow as a lot of the local pools are. With a refurbishment Orpington would be back on the map and grow
Thank you. Disabled access to the swimming pool is something that needs to be addressed.
The Walnuts Leisure Centre is an extremely popular resource in Orpington. Classes at the Walnuts Leisure Centre were so popular that most of the PrimeTime classes were moved to Crofton Halls to create more space/time for Leisure Centre classes. Many classes at both venues are often fully booked.
The swimming pool attracts all age groups (babies to folk in their 80s) and offers a range of classes and instruction. The 33m length is valued and should stay or be increased to a 50m standard. The depth of the pool also enables diving from the side. Separate male/female changing rooms are valued. The orientation and window area of the pool should remain because it captures available sun all day long.
The pool has had ‘boiler issues’ for a number of years and these have become worse over the 2022-23 period. Maintenance issues at The Pavilion pool were addressed with the closure of that pool from 31 Oct to 19 Dec 2022. Boiler maintenance at The Walnuts is a council responsibility and has been ignored – this is not good enough.
Staff at the LC are professional, supportive and friendly.
Refurbishment of the The Walnuts Leisure Centre could be done in stages – Dojo has recently been refurbished to become a cycle studio while the centre remained open.
The cafe area could be made bigger/more appealing, maybe linking it to an improved outdoor area for summer use.
Any relocation of LC services to other venues (temporary or otherwise) should take public transport into consideration as not everyone in the borough has, or has access, to a car.
People need to be kept informed and building/refurbishment contracts properly negotiated with penalty clauses for delays.
NTTW – Thank you for your work.
Love the idea of an outdoor area incorporated in any refurbishment.
I would like to use the pool and do classes in the evenings but the approach to the leisure centre has never felt particularly inviting/ safe/ welcoming and I don’t like to go at night on my own. I use public transport and don’t have a car, so having the entrance well away from the bus stops/ high street is also a barrier to me utilising the centre in the evenings. I don’t feel particularly safe.
Yes the entrance to the leisure centre facing away from Market Square is unusual.
Have to say when I’ve been to evening classes there. I was surprised how well lit it was, with the lights coming from the shops. I too use the bus.
I do not personally use the leisure centre, but my disabled daughter uses it several times a week. She has a learning disability as well as mobility problems and has become quite distressed at the prospect of losing the gym and pool. Her only reasonable alternative that she has found is to travel from St. Paul’s Cray to Beckenham, so rather than just a single bus ride she now would have to use two buses and a train. She has tried to make the journey on several occasions but found it most prohibitive not only in convenience but also in cost and time.
Then there is the consideration of her comfort zone, where she has been going to Orpington for many years now and has got to know the staff and the layout for the facilities. A change to an alternative venue would be counter productive for her.
Finally, just as an add on, Orpington is her home town where she not only shops but also volunteers in a charity shop. She is now quite distressed with the possibility of the loss of several retail outlets should the redevelopement take place, effectively reducing her shopping experience.
Yes I can see how interruption to facilities on offer will be very disruptive for your daughter. People are asking if the refurbishment can be undertaken in segments thereby reducing the time we would be without any provision.
The whole centre needs upgrading but ideally I want this work carried out in sections so that the centre can remain open as much as possible. The pool boiler is a major problem it doesn’t even have a temperature guage, it’s that old.
I think a lot of people agree that preferably the refurbishment be undertaken in “sections”
I believe it is vital our Leisure Centre is retained in the Town Centre and modernised.
This is for a number of reasons in my opinion.
1. It is important to the many thousands of customers who visit it and enjoy the facilities. It is vital for many as a Social Hub as well, not just for those who use the pools and exercise classes but in addition for the Buzz Zone users. These facilities bring in many people who live outside of the Orpington area, not just those who live or work locally.
2. In addition the LC brings in custom and trade for the many local shops, ranging from the big names such as Wilkos or Sainsburys to the smaller family run stores and Coffee Shops, etc. This is vital for the continuing survival of many of our Local Businesses, who rely upon the footfall from the LC to bring in more trade.
I believe the LC needs to be refurbished and is definitely NOT demolished.
However when the Budget is agreed for a refurbishment it seems likely some or all of the LC may have be cordoned off, so this needs to clarified and explained to people well in advance if this indeed is the case.
In other words it MAY to close completely for a while, whilst this remedial work is in progress, then re open once the work has been completed. If it comes back renewed and modernised, it will be worth the wait in my opinion.
This needs to clarified once the initial scoping report on the refurbishment has been completed, as people need to be prepared it may need to temporarily closed. (other completely or in part for an extended period).
Once an evaluation of the work required to bring the LC up to standard has been agreed and signed off, it needs to be fast tracked via the relevant LBB RRH Committee, to ensure the work starts ASAP.
Yes it would be great if the Council keep residents in the loop throughout this process.
The Leisure Centre urgently needs refurbishing. A priority is sorting the boiler out so that the swimming pool is not subject to frequent closures. I think we should retain our rather unusual 33 metre pool. No facilities should be lost . The buzz zone is great for younger children. The cafe area needs to be improved and provide an area where people can socialise after a swim or time in the gym. All interior tiling needs replacing and the building needs to be refurbished so that it can be kept clean. Currently the interior of the centre is not as clean as it should be and the interior decoration, tiling etc exacerbates this problem. In reality the toilets and showers need replacing. This is a far bigger project than a coat of paint or even a new boiler. The outside area also needs updating and better lighting etc. and permanent outside seating not just a picnic table.
I have not used the Leisure since before lockdown as I felt the cleaning of the changing areas was not good, especially y the swimming pool. I would love to see the Centre renovated and would be one of the first to take out an annual membership
Yes a renovated Leisure Centre I am sure would encourage more people to make use of the resource.
The leisure centre is such a great facility for the town but urgently needs an upgrade. The constant short notice pool closures are so disruptive and the cost of travel to alternative pools at Biggin Hill and Beckenham is prohibitive. The investment would have huge benefits on the health and well-being for the local population so should be seen as a priority by the council and not just a luxury. The centre is integral to the town centre, when we visit we use the shops and cafes. I would not bother spending money in Orpington town centre otherwise as there are easier places to access. We at the swimming club would love to be able to hold our own competitions rather than travel across Kent to other club facilities as the current pool is not suitable. A 50m pool would be a huge draw and Galas would generate income for local businesses. I agree with the other comments regarding a proper cafe facility and the entrance feeling unsafe at night. It’s an odd layout and would make more sense to have entrances on to the square and directly to the multi storey car park.
Yes the current layout is quite strange and the outlook from the leisure centre, although not a major factor is very drab and uninviting.
I have found from talking to others that people come from lots of places outside of Orpington to access our Leisure Centre as well as a large number of locals. It is in an ideal place being so close to the High Street and is an absolutely vital part of our town to help bring people in to use our shops, cafes and coffee bars etc.
In this digital age that we live in it’s great to bring communities together at our Leisure Centre which helps peoples’ physical and mental health. It attracts all ages with the wide ranging facilities it has to offer.
If the LC was to close the other Leisure Centres in the surrounding areas would not offer the same wide ranging number of facilities. The Pavilion in Bromley with it’s slides and flumes is more for fun than for serious swimmers and Darrick Wood is just too small to compete with The Walnuts LC.
In recent years the Walnut’s LC is showing it’s age and there have been ongoing boiler problems which has resulted in shutting the two pools several times and now seems to be becoming a monthly occurrence. Other areas of the LC are also needing attention as problems with the plumbing lead to cold showers, toilets out of use and a number of lockers are broken.
These various problems will lead to some members going elsewhere. When people are planning to visit the LC it has become difficult to predictable in advance if facilities are in use or broken down. For these reasons I now feel the LC is in need of an urgent refurbishment.
I feel it is important to keep the Training pool at the size it is now. Many people; adults as well as children use the Training pool for lessons which is great for young children and nervous swimmers. I remember when my three children were young and we enjoyed visiting the training pool it was great for young families. Both pools offer regular swimming lessons which are always in demand. The main pool is also used by the Ojays Swimming Club.
The wide variety of adult classes on offer and very popular and I attend a Zumba class which is excellent.
When refurbishing the LC disabled access could benefit from being improved. For instance a gradual slope into the main pool would be beneficial.
It would be great if some parts of the LC would be able to still be kept open whilst refurbishing but I understand there may be a period where it would need to be closed temporarily to complete all the improvements/ building works that would be needed.
So finally I would say Bromley Council I urge you to consider the refurbishment of The Walnut’s Leisure Centre as a matter of urgency. It is a vital part not only of Orpington but of the whole borough of Bromley. Without it certain shops and businesses would not survive. But more than that the whole community would suffer if these facilities were to fall into more disrepair and possible closure.
Let’s have a Leisure Centre the borough can be proud of with a much needed refurbishment.
Spot on. I think thou have summarised how a lot of people feel.
Good idea for creating a dedicated space for issues surrounding the Walnuts Leisure Centre. Assuming that private developers are now out of the equation so far as the leisure centre is concerned, there would appear to be two plausible solutions – rebuild on a different site and refurbish whilst remaining open. As has been said, the Council (we) owns the leisure centre. The Council also owns the neighbouring Saxon Day Centre next door to the leisure centre. Would it be beyond the bounds of possibility to temporarily relocate the Saxon Day Centre, maybe to some of the empty units in the shopping centre, then build a new leisure centre on that site, before moving the Day Centre to new premises on the leisure centre site, or elsewhere? My preference would be for refurbishment whilst remaining open. This might take a bit longer, but at least we would have access to facilities whilst this is going on. I understand that this is the approach that was taken with the refurbishment of the Pavillion Leisure Centre, so it would seem to be a viable possibility.
Yes I think most people support a refurbishment as apart from anything else it would hopefully mean Orpington being without the resource it currently enjoys would be kept to a minimum. Your suggestion about using the land where the Saxon Centre sits is also very interesting.
The refurbishment of the Walnuts swimming pool is seriously needed. I swim regularly, but have constantly been unable to go due to boiler problems. We need this to happen as it keeps us old folk of Orpington mobile.
Yes great for all ages.
The entire LC needs a huge renovation, I used it as a youngster over 40 years ago and many parts of it remain, yes areas have been changed, added on, but there are bits which are extremely tatty, dirty, uninviting, inappropriate for current modern standards. The pool needs to be a 50m one so that the Swimming Club can host galas and benefit from the associated income from hiring, refreshments and showcasing the LC to potential customers. The spectator area could go with improvement, May be seating on both sides of the pool and at the ends. The gym needs investment and offer more competitive pricing – had to move my daughter from a child membership in the gym to Puregym as they didn’t offer a young adult membership so at 16, she would be charged as an Adult costing over £35 per month, so she moved to Puregym and won’t return – the gym isn’t as good as elsewhere and won’t attract new members from other gyms. People want to go to gyms and they’d rather go to all the other ones in & around Orpington, lost revenues in my opinion. The spirts hall needs upgrading, daughters did trampolining there but had to share the space with gymnastics but the teacher & puplyx couldn’t hear each other over the high volumes of music when the gymnasts were doing their floor exercises – it needs a separate space. Trampolining stopped during CoVid and I’m not aware of it starting up again since.
Renovation or Rebuild will cause disruption all round but something needs doing to provide Orpington with a modern LC that will be the hub of the town for social, fitness and entertainment
Thanks for your input. It is interesting to hear from people who have used resources other than just the swimming pool and their experiences. A concern held by some is that refurbishment or rebuild may lead to much more expensive membership fees.
The Leisure Centre needs its own new boiler, independent of the College. The Leisure Centre plumbing is a major problem – toilets often get blocked, and the showers are feeble and lukewarm.
I would like the Leisure Centre to be refurbished, but priority should be given to keeping any closure of the swimming pool as short as possible. The pool itself does not need any alteration. It might be possible to put temporary changing facilities (portacabin) in the square outside, in order to keep the pool open whilst other parts of the building are closed for refurbishment.
The current size and depth makes the pool particularly attractive to older and frailer swimmers, who can swim in deep water away from boisterous children playing in the shallow end. There are plenty of regular swimmers who are in their eighties. I am opposed to a rebuild because modern pools like Biggin Hill have far less deep water. (I think it is unrealistic to hope for a 50 metre pool)
I have swum at the Walnuts twice a week for more than thirty years. The pool was a factor in my choosing to move to Orpington in 1987.
Yes it will be very interesting to find out if the refurbishment goes ahead how long it will be necessary to be without certain amenities.
A decent sports centre is essential for any town – not just for individual use but for groups too. Before The Walnuts was built I had to travel to Swanley to swim as a child. It appears the Centre has been run down but it would be more successful if it were re-done. And that’s important for residents ‘ health and fitness = priceless!
Thank you. Agreed a Leisure Centre is essential for the Town. When you say redone I assume you mean refurbed as opposed to new build?
I support the suggestion that Bromley Council should move forward URGENTLY with refurbishing and redeveloping the current Walnuts Leisure Centre, possibly incorporating the Council owned land in front of the entrance. The Centre is an asset to the town and borough, used by all ages and supporting local business activity. Sadly the maintenance of the LC has clearly been neglected over a number of years, to an extent which is unacceptable. There have been many very good ideas provided in previous comments with regard to improving facilities, particularly the swimming pool. The size of the pool should not be reduced, and the feasibility of increasing it should be considered. All other facilities should be at least maintained on the same scale or increased. A second sports hall and more courts for badminton/squash could be beneficial. A larger better cafe would generate more income. A renovated LC would encourage even greater usage and therefore income generation locally.
Thank you. In terms of the front of the building are you proposing the pool is extended out to make it 50 metres or are you suggesting a different use for the front? Certainly some people have said that the entrance to the building, particularly at night is not great being away from the road. That is an issue that could not be overcome but perhaps improved lighting, CCTV may inspire more confidence in some.
Delighted that Areli’s redevelopment proposals were withdrawn. Doubly delighted if the leisure centre could be refurbished. I use the pool, take classes, play badminton and take grandchildren to softplay. I don’t feel the centre needs major changes as that might take too long and be too expensive. It all works ok for me, just needs updating.
Thank you. One major issue that needs addressing is the boiler so that the pool and showers are not frequently out of action.
I was banned by Bromley Mytime as a disruptive influence for complaining to our local MP Bob Neil about the state of :
-broken shower for disabled in the walnuts
-defective steps in exercises classes that the local HSE fined Mytime for for 2 beaches
-continuing lack of response to formal written complaints regarding services.
All the time that Mytime is run by a trust controlled by Bromley Council there will be no impartial assessment of services. Whereas Downham sport cents management is contracted out and the contractor penailsed for lack of performance.
Don’t even bother to contemplate a redevelopment while this incestuous relationship exists withing Bromley council and the walnuts. it will be a waste of public money.
And please ask yourself, could there possibly be a hidden agenda with this lack of transparency. Just check the salaries of Mytime executives?
In respect of provision for disabled users of the Leisure Centre I am aware that at least one person has commented on access to the swimming pool. It goes without saying that any refurbishment should include improving/ modernising access to all facilities so that disabled people can enjoy the facilities. It is important that disabled people are consulted to ensure the facilities wherever possible can meet their needs.
As a recently current regular user but also one who has been an occasional user for over forty years, I have noticed the decline in the serviceability of the sports centre. Broken boilers (with consequential regular pool closures and cold showers), broken lockers, uneven floors, and damaged dividing curtains, as examples, are causing inconvenience.
Not sure if a condition survey of the building fabric has been done, but this could influence a decision between refurbishment or rebuilding (along with other considerations such as better layout, bigger pool, additional activities etc.). However, there is certainly plenty to be done even in the short term to offset some inconveniences being experienced. In my view these items should be done without delay but the more strategic technical and functional decisions above, and the financial trade-off processes should also be initiated urgently to address the uncertainty of the long term future of the sports centre.
I would hope that the centre stakeholders would appreciate that if these inconveniences persist, user numbers could decline – especially if the users don’t like continual cold showers like me!
It is a pity we do not know the nature of the scoping exercise. However as you state urgent remedial action needs to be taken now.
When the Walnuts opened it was a pleasure to use the facilities. I took all my children to the small pool for swimming lessons and later they joined OJAYS which met at St Olaves school. As they grew older they used the badminton courts and gym and I also went to the gym. However the facilities became more run down and we went to a gym in Bromley which was cleaner and staff very helpful. Unfortunately with lockdown we stopped going to the gym and although we still have some basic things we can do at home we miss the range of equipment. The Walnuts did become to look “tired” and we did prefer the gym we were members of as it was of higher standard and definately cleaner (especially the toilets and changing facilities) than the Walnuts I remember.
It would be good to have a modernised walnuts in Orpington again with improved facilities that keep abreast of modern ideas and technology and also good parking and accessibility for both those with prams or who are less able bodied.
I remember being at the Walnuts and an older man was being taught how to use the equipment in the gym. At first he was painfully slow but over the weeks he improved and was able to use the equipment more effectively and I was very impressed. Mobility is so important and invaluable as you age – by giving good exercise options the ageing population as well as the general population can benefit and become fitter and healthier.
Yes the Leisure Centre is a vital resource for people of all ages. The concern regarding cleanliness is also a recurring theme. I have not been a member of the Leisure Centre very long and I am enjoying the many benefits my membership brings, however I have witnessed poor standards of hygiene. This has included toe nail clippings in the steam room and a plastic strip that had covered the crotch in a new swimming costume being stuck to the changing cubicle wall and being there for more than two weeks. Being a creature of habit I returned to the same changing cubicle and was surprised to see the plastic strip still stuck to the wall. Sadly I think when things become run down there is less pride taken in the setting by the leisure centre users and possibly by the cleaning staff. Hopefully a refurbished/ new leisure centre would be easier to keep clean.
I and my family have used the Leisure Centre since the late 1980’s. It has been a place to socialise, learn, have fun and remain healthy. The staff have always been wonderful. My now adult kids swam, did badminton, gym, table tennis and trampoline. I, my husband and friends played squash, badminton, gym. I have played racket ball there for many years. I really really appreciate the gains I have had from using the centre. I also took my special needs school class to the centre over many years for swimming.
I think it would be much better to refurbish the existing building-it is in a perfect location, the size is adequate and the work could be done in stages to limit the inconvenience. I was horrified to think we might lose this wonderful facility. I was willing to put up with it being outdated as it was otherwise perfect in all it offered. It could definitely be one of the jewels in Orpington’s crown if revamped. The toilet areas and squash courts are rather down at heel! I personally haven’t been able to use the cafe since lockdown but it always provided good quality, reasonably priced food and the staff were great. My grandkids used soft play but have since had to move area.
I think many concur with your sentiments.
My husband and I have been members of the leisure centre for nearly 20 years. I take my grandchildren to softplay and grandson to swimming. It has been a brilliant value for money facility for us. while the building of the leisure centre has stood the test of time, I understand the infrastructure (plumbing electric..etc.) is ailing and desperately needs modernising. My first preference is for the renovation option. However if this is not possible, I am not averse to the idea of a new development in the building housing sainsbury’s supermarket. there are plenty of suitable units for the supermarket and the library? to move into (High street?) while development is taking place. A new building similar in design to Brunswick House, that will house the new leisure centre, library plus flats with suitable proportion (one third plus) for social rent and ‘affordable housing’. I am not an expert, but I think a graduated height (terraces) starting from Homefield Rise (highest part no higher than Brunswick House) then gradually lower on the part overlooking the square.
As we know the lease for Sainsbury is for sale but I think Sainsbury as tenants are safe. If a refurbishment was determined not to be an economical way forward the Sainsbury site would be an excellent alternative site being opposite the Wellness Centre and if the Library remained in situ you would have three essential community resources next door to each other. Access would be improved for disabled people and some of the safety concerns reported by some people would be alleviated by the more central location. Also the existing amenity would not need to close until the new Leisure Centre was built ensuring continuity of service. The building of flats above the new leisure centre, again if no higher than Brunswick Sq and graduated up and down so that they are visually more appeasing could help offset some of the cost of building a new Leisure Centre, address some local housing need if affordable housing is included as it should be and would increase footfall in the town centre.
The sports hall is the largest in the local community and I believe in the local borough, it hosts not only the gym users for an array of activities and fitness classes, badminton, basket ball, trampolining and walking football.
Did you know that the hall is used by an artistic roller skating club for a minimum of 6 hours across the weekend and it has done for 20+ years, with skaters training for competitions, some being international level skaters. Making this hall unavailable would be detrimental to so many children and adults. This is valuable for Childrens health, mental well-being and physical fitness also enabling them to be part of such an amazing team. Taking away their training space for a long period of time is not an option for me or for my child who attends, along with all her team mates.
I believe this would also be the same for the Orpington gymnastics club who use the hall.
As part of the renovation I would say that the hall could benefit from an air conditioning system/ heat system. However ultimately this space cannot be lost or made smaller as this is a valuable assess to our local community and so many others.
It is great to hear about the diverse range of uses for our leisure centre. I should not think there are a lot of indoor public spaces for roller skating. I think air conditioning would be a useful additional feature.
I think the facilities are great!! I understand that the sports centre may not be new and modern but I still believe that it is a suitable and resourceful space. I would like to especially point out that my figure roller skating team Meridian uses the hall for our sessions and I can confirm that it is a great space for us to skate. We love the Walnuts leisure centre and we want to keep skating there!
Let’s hope the leisure centre is refurbished and the roller skaters can continue enjoying their pastime. Unfortunately the pool and showers and toilets need urgent work undertaken. The boiler is failing with increasing regularity.
It is imperative that Bromley Council keep on top of the facilities that The Walnuts provides for local people. My children learnt to swim there, joined swimming clubs and gymnastics clubs and, when older, both worked there for a while. The health of the nation is poor at best and if this leisure centre deteriorates further the incentive to exercise will be vastly reduced – it is shabby and becoming very unappealing and rundown. I do hope the scoping exercise has a positive outcome for the local people. After all, it is our council tax which the council is spending.
What you say is all very true.
I have just cancelled my membership of the Walnuts after approximately 45 years
This is due to continuing problems with the boiler, general lack of maintenance, the sauna was out of action, probably more than working last year and the steam room much the same
Inadequate cleaning, lockers not working
General air of decay
MyTime are completely unresponsive to their feedback forms
I have bought a second hand multi gym from eBay, just over £100, and will use this in future
I now go to Sevenoaks or Bluewater for shopping, but mainly Amazon.
High St OK if you want a haircut or to buy a house, otherwise offers nothing
Hopefully if the Walnuts Leisure Centre was refurbished to a high standard people like yourself and others would be motivated to renew their membership which would be positive for the Leisure Centre and the broader business community. There is no doubt that the Leisure Centre increases the footfall in Orpington.
Will the management be refurbished as well. If so I might think about it
I am not a member of the Walnuts or a regular user but I do like to use the pool occasionally.
Facilities need to be kept clean and, even though I don’t have young children, I do like the more open style of family change areas.
Sauna & Steam rooms are a bonus but I have heard tales of inappropriate behaviour so these areas must be well-maintained and monitored.
I haven’t been in the gym areas for a long time.
Cafe facilities should be light and airy with plenty of comfy seating and reasonably priced healthy options.
Yes some healthy eating options would be great. I am not sure of everything that is offered but children using buzz zone normally are having something with chips. Perhaps that is a preference and there are more healthy options.
I am pleased to encourage a refurbishment of the Walnuts.
The shopping areas and leisure facilities need refurbishing and regular, dedicated maintenance to encourage increased usage. The car park is an asset to attract people to both areas, but people will only visit them if they are attractive, clean and interesting.
I suggest more “niche” sized shopping spaces which could be easily combined or kept separate to reflect modern shopping/cafe trends away from big retail parks. Two larger units in the lower corner could attract a grocery or chain store with easy access to the car park lifts. The Weatherspoons, or other pub could be reopened to present a refurbished presence on the High Street.
There is no need for anything to be any more multi-storey than at present.
Thanks for your response.
The Leisure Centre is and always should part of the community. My children learnt to swim there and belonged to O’Jays. The Walnuts and the leisure centre are in desperate need refurbishment so it’s imperative that Bromley Council ensure its facilities are updated.
Agree the Walnuts Leisure Centre needs to be a priority.
The Leisure Centre with all if its activities is a essential part of the town centre and is badly in need of refurbishment sooner rather than later as the swimming pool is closed more than it is open lately due to disrepair and poor maintaince and the clubs and the general public are being forced to look to other venues further afield to maintain all of their needs.Orpington should be proud what is avaiable but as it it is a disgrace we need a building fit for the 21st century and a building we would have pride in.Not much to ask for as fun and fitness is a key to a happy community and the rest of the town would benefit.
It is an essential resource that meets the needs of people of all ages.
Revamp the pool and update the building, include all activities like the Soft Play Centre, gym, games rooms, cafe and anything that covers all age groups and provides a happy, uplifting communal environment for Orpington.
That would be great.
Refurbishment of the Walnuts Leisure Centre would be very welcome. The fitness of the nation is declining and with increased pressure on the NHS, good leisure facilities are vital. The changing rooms, lockers, showers and toilet facilities need replacing as they are run down, many of the lockers don’t work and everything needs modernisation. A good number of quality hairdryers should be provided free of charge. The actual swimming pool is fine (I don’t think a 50 metre pool is necessary) but the boiler issues and inconsistent water temperature need addressing.
Thank you for your input. Many people echo your sentiments.
The Walnuts Leisure Centre needs to be completely refurbished to a high standard then people like myself and others would be motivated to Join or renew their membership which would be positive for the Leisure Centre and the broader business community in Orpington. It doesn’t need to be knocked down or replaced, just refurbished to a good standard to benefit the whole community. There is no doubt that the Leisure Centre increases the footfall in Orpington and is a big attraction in Orpington in general.
Yes the Leisure Centre does attract footfall to the Leisure Centre.
As a regular user of the Walnuts Leisure centre I urge Bromkey Council to start the process of the rejuvenation of the building. The whole place is crumbling and continuing breakdowns of the boiler and loss of the pool is extremely disappointing. The classes and instructors do a fabulous job and deserve to work in a better environment.
Yes everyone speaks positively about the instructors and the quality of classes offered.
It is😀
As a regular user of all the facilities at the leisure centre, all need to be up graded. The pool is less available due to mechanical/maintenance problems. This needs to be resolved as many people of all ages rely on it. It is also important for the range of classes to be maintained. The shower areas in both the pool area and gym area need to be upgraded and maintained in a clean and hygienic way.
Yes it is hoped the Local Authority will prioritise the refurbishment of the Leisure Centre when decisions are taken about the next expenditure programme.
It’s disappointing that the existing leisure centre (The Walnuts) will not be included in the proposed redevelopment/ regeneration. As you may know the boiler (which I believe is actually housed in the college next door) breaks down frequently; the toilets get blocked; most of the lockers are damaged; there’s mould everywhere. The whole building needs knocking down and starting again. If this isn’t possible, then a major refurbishment from top to bottom needs doing. The concrete area outside the building is simply depressing (despite the Council doing their best to cheer it up with a temporary pop-up ‘park’). There’s been a new reception centre and, more lucratively, the children’s play area/creche, but this doesn’t address what should be the heart of centre – the gym and swimming facilities.
Thank you so much for your response.
I am a relatively new user to the the gym ( 2 years) but it is a lifeline for myself and many others too. It is a dilapidated building but SO much goes on inside it.I think that very sympathetic refurbishment would be the way forward , performed in stages to minimise disruption. Of course, some people will affected but surely that is a small price to pay for an upgraded centre?
The council need to be sure adequate replacement spaces are accommodated that are easily accessible for all.
Accessibility needs to be addressed from all angles; from the hard concrete outside that has very poor drainage when it rains to the lack of discounted parking available for those who drive.
Bromley Council need to show residents that we can be proud of our leisure facilities .
It certainly offers a lot from roller skating to swimming, racket sports to cycle studio, buzz zone to the gym. Great for all ages.
The walnuts leisure centre is a vital community service. With orpington Hydrotherapy pool at orpington hospital closed, disabled people use the main pool for hydrotherapy which is vital for disabled people to maintain treatment and their conditions and not put the NHS under any further pressure than it is
The walnuts leisure centre is central in orpington and accessible by bus and train and the walnuts car park alongside it. It has a wheelchair ramp to access the centre for wheelchair users.
Walnuts centre is often used for older and disabled people referred for exercise programmes by GP with a fantastic gym
Orpington OJs use the leisure centre for their base for their club and have sone for 50 years. My niece and nephew swim there twice a week and are county standard swimmers
All of the generations of my family have used the walnuts facilities spanking back to the 70s. It’s a much used and busy leisure centre and much needed
Bromley should install a new boiler and refurb the leisure centre. This is the cheapest option rather than a new build. Please bromley council keep the walnuts. It’s the centre of orpington. Thousands use it every week
Yes it a resource that meets the needs of so many people in the local community. It caters for people of all ages. It improves the health both physically and mentally of people who make use of this resource.
I have been using the Walnuts leisure centre since it was built. Firstly as a young swimmer and part of Orpington Swimming Club. Later i have taken both my children there for swimming lessons. During their teenage years they were both swimmers with OJ’s and took part in many galas. Now my Grandaughter attends lessons there.
My children used the gym, and other sports facilities after school and during the holidays too.
My children and I still swim there regularly.
The leisure centre is very important for the health, physical and mental wellbeing of Orpington residents.
During the many years i have used the leisure centre i have seen the facilities deteriate. The boiler needs replacing. The changing rooms need to be updated.
I was very happy that Areli’s plans now, will not include their very poor replacement plans for the leisure centre. The pool length was not adequate, neither were their other plans.
I hope that Bromley Council will invest money in revamping the Walnuts Leisure Centre, giving the people of Orpington the modern lesiure facilities they deserve and that they invest in the future health and wellbeing of our residents. As others have said a 50m pool would not only benefit our residents but would give the borough a proper competition pool. This will increase use of the pool.
Please make the Walnuts Leisure Centre a place we can be proud of and enjoy visiting, as it was when it was first built!
Thank you. The Leisure Centre is a very valued resource that everyone agrees urgently needs refurbishment. It is hoped that Bromley Council will prioritise the refurbishment of the centre when agreements are reached as to how money reserved for these kinds of projects is spent.
I regularly used the pool and the other facilities. I agree that it all needs updating badly. Also my husband has dementia and we use the Saxon centre 3 x a week. This a vital support for us and needs to be considered along with everything else.
Thank you. Yes the Saxon Centre is also another vital resource that needs refurbishing or a new provision provided that meets the needs of the cohort that use the service.
Sort out the heating, a bit of referbing on the bits that are decaying would be great but the spaces are fabulas for classes , sports, and kids enjoyment, cafe is great. It’s used by all ages and this needs to continue.the pool ideally should open to the public to 8.00pm as it has done in the past. Parking is needed and people use . Sainsbury’s Tesco’s and the walnuts and the road, this needs to continue.
Yes I think everyone loves the space the Leisure Centre provides. It certainly is large with lots of different provisions.
IMO A decent sized Swimming Pool is an absolute essential centrepiece, for any redevelopment / refurbishment of the Orpington leisure centre. All the other facilities are good to have, but alternatives can be found. I am concerned that whilst work is completed, the pool must be maintained. Not sure how this can be achieved though?
But I’m sure that in the 21st century, a solution can be found.
Yes everyone would want the Leisure Centre to be closed for the shortest time possible. Closure for a period of time to allow refurbishment is inevitable. I suppose it is about being creative and exploring ways to minimise disruption.
I would like to see the current Leisure Centre refurbished, with any closure kept to the absolute minimum.
That opinion is shared by many people.
The Leisure Centre provides so much for people of all ages and abilities and must be part of Orpington going forward. A full size pool for the many swimmers and classes, a smaller pool for the children and more fearful are both essential. My family have used it for the past 30 years since coming to Orpington – from the swimming/trampoline/football/soft play/ for the youngsters to the courts, the gym, the rooms for pilates etc for the older, and we know many families like us. The staff and teachers work hard to make the experience there a good one, but the facilities are really shabby and dilapidated these days, and of course there is the issue of the boiler… We need and we deserve a good leisure centre here, it is clearly used extensively and well by so many of us and is important for the physical and mental health of so many. It is time Bromley Council invested in our Leisure Centre and in the opportunities it offers so many of us. I would hate for it it be closed for too long, but I would like a well thought out plan for improvement and for it to continue to be at the heart of our community.
Yes I think everyone agrees the classes are great as are the instructors who make them fun and inclusive.
The Leisure Centre is a very valued resource that everyone agrees urgently needs updating.
Let’s hope that the refurbishment especially the pool area ,will be a priority so that the people of Orpington and surrounding areas can use these facilities for their enjoyment and wellbeing
This is what we are hoping that this work will be a priority.
The pool is a valuable asset to Orpington. There are many gyms but not many pools in the area. It needs its own efficient heating system not shared with other sites. Lockers should be robust, locks not prone to failure. Ideally remedial work and closure should be as brief as possible but to a high standard and long lasting. Keep the steam room and sauna which are unique facilities.
Yes steam room and sauna are very welcome facilities. Unfortunately recently they have often been out of order.
Hi. My preference for the leisure centre would be to a) keep it on the current site / close to the high street to maintain footfall for the high street. With speculation that the building housing Sainsburys might be sold by Bromley council – is that a large enough site on which to build a new centre ? This would solve b) which is my preference to close and rebuild rather than try to renovate whilst keeping some of the existing centre open.
It might be worth exploring how many private swimming pools exist within 3-5 miles of the current Walnuts site (e.g. operated by local schools) to see if existing facilities can be utilised as part of the overall solution.
Another person suggested that the Sainsbury site would be an ideal site for a new build leisure centre. The lease is for sale. It may be a developer, even Areli, would be interested in the site. I think in regard to this site it is watch this space. Would Sainsbury want to leave the site? I think they are subject to a secure tenancy regardless as to whether the lease is sold or not.
I hear that Walnuts redevelopment is back on the agenda and note:
1. The retail side is looking tired and needs rethinking.
2. Any redevelopment should include as much leisure is currently available and should include a large swimming pool.
3. Any flat development should be restricted to, say, 10 stories as otherwise it will be overpowering to other amenities.
4. The flats should be mostly affordable units.
Currently Areli have not started any consultations or submitted a new planning application however we do know that the Leisure Centre will not feature in any future Areli plans. Bromley have stated they will refurbish the pool but as yet this has not been costed and funds agreed.
We are very lucky to have such a great facility on our door step
I think everything should be done to keep the facilities and where possible for them to be enhanced.
I use the pool and the courts regularly.
I note that bookings can be maxed out so anything to expand them would be greatly appreciated
I suppose the fact some classes are full is evidence of their popularity. That is a good thing, but yes it would be good if the popular classes could be put on more often.
The leisure centre is needed for both the physical and mental wellbeing of the residents of Orpington. The government are encouraging exercise and the centre is vital to enable this. The centre needs to be modernised but the basics are already there. It does not need to be rebuilt. The current choice of classes and activities are great. They cannot be lost
Thank you. The current Leisure Centre certainly offers a wide range of activities.
This general statement reflects my views.”The Leisure Centre is a very valued resource that everyone agrees urgently needs updating.Let’s hope that the refurbishment especially the pool area ,will be a priority so that the people of Orpington and surrounding areas can use these facilities for their enjoyment and well being”
Thank you. Expressed very concisely
The big problem is the boilers. These should be replaced, and we will have to put up with closing the pools while this happens – I hope it can be done in weeks not months.
Other improvements should be done while keeping the Leisure Centre open as far as possible.
While there are many things we would like to see in the Leisure Centre, I do not think the Leisure Centre should be demolished and rebuilt, or have work doing which means complete closure for a long period of time.
I think that is the sentiment of many. However to bring the Leisure centre upto 21st century standards we may have to accept we will be without facilities for a while as the scope of the work necessary is very broad.
Yes ! Great idea ! revamp Leisure centre ,keep the pool but upgrade it ,very important for health and tourism .Outside near BR6 ,make it less concrete more green ,mini golf ,more cafes wine bars make it a continental feel .Reduce rates so that small businesses can come in with little gift shop boutiques .
Agree there is too much concrete in market square. It would be great if it was a little more green.
As a full member of my time. I feel it is shameful the way the leisure centre is being run down..
After successfully deflecting the horrendous development that was proposed recently, surely it is obvious how essential the leisure centre is to the local community and should receive the funding it needs to refurbish the site and bring it back to the thriving centre it once was.
Let’s hope Bromley Council prioritise the Walnuts Leisure Centre
As a local resident who frequently uses the leisure centre I find it shameful that the centre has been neglected and seems to have been deliberately rundown. As a major hub for the community surely it demands the funding for the necessary refurbishment .
We are all hoping so.
I’m unclear as to the extent of the councils intentions. Ideally I’d like to see a new, fit for purpose, easily accessible leisure centre built with the current one only closing once the new one is ready. If refurbishment rather than replacement is intended then an absolute must is to replace the boilers. I’ve Lost track of the number of swimming lessons my children have missed because the boiler has failed. I know its not simple because it’s linked to the college but it’s clearly no longer capable of doing the job.
I’d also like to see an overhaul to the swimming changing areas which even after cleaning are still filthy, and repairs to the tiling and general decor around all the teaching pool which are significantly damaged.
The councilneeds to work with the leisure centre management to ensure the creche and cafe are reinstated as these are valuable community services.
Also better use could be made of the large paved area outside the centre entrance. Could this be built upon to extend facilities? It would provide some great group exercise space or something else for children such as the tag quest game they have at White Oaks Leisure Centre. This might provide something for local children who are too old for soft play but not quite old enough to use the gym and other classes on their own.
An overhaul of the facade of the centre, as well as better directional signage from the High Street and shopping centre could be used to create a bigger presence and make it look.an inviting place to go. Currently it looks forgotten and run down.
No one knows what the scope is yet. In respect of a new build I suppose the question would be where. The Leisure Centre provides footfall for the business community and is centrally located in the town which is served well by public transport.
I love the idea of creating something for slightly older children like tag quest. I do agree all that concrete paving to the entrance of the leisure centre is very ugly and seems to be poor use of space.
Hello, as a local and regular to the Walnuts leisure centre, upgrades to the facilities are really needed.
The pool is well used but needs upgrading, popular classes over the years such as spin classes have always been very oversubscribed do been hard to get a place in the class. So maybe a better use of space.
As a family or 4 we have used most of the facilities over the years and staff have always been good, but upgrades are desperately needed, especially when we are compared to the Spa in Beckenham with better facilities and upgrades.
Please invest in more family leisure.
Many thanks
Thank you. I think there has been universal praise for the staff who lead classes. They are a great asset. As you state it is the infrastructure that is letting things down so badly.
I have a young family and we use the the leisure centre very frequently and can see how it’s the heart of the community as people from all age groups use it’s facilities – I agree it’s in urgent need of refurbishment as the staff do the best they can but it’s constantly breaking down – I would welcome a solution whereby the leisure centre can be refurbished whilst minimising the time it is closed as I think l was the case with other local leisure centres that were recently refurbished.
Yes that would be good although I think the overhaul at the Walnuts may be a larger project than the other leisure centres.
I have been using the walnuts leisure centre for years, mostly swimming but also gym, badminton and physio appointments. Leisure facilities like this are not a luxury, they are essential to the health and wellbeing of the community. The Walnuts is also essential to the vibrancy of the town centre and the financial health of the retailers through all the peopl it attracts. The Walnuts is now a bit tired. With the population in the area increasing, now is the perfect time to refresh the facilities and scale it to cater for more people. The large precinct outside the entrance provides scope to expand the facilities. A 50M pool is needed in the borough and there is space. Apart from that, it is mostly a case of bringing the facilities into the 2020s.
Thanks for your comments. Yes there are options when considering a refurbishment. Could the pool be increased to 50metres? What can be done to improve the concrete square at the front of the Leisure Centre to better use the space and make it more attractive?
The upgrade of this facility for Orpington is crucial for the well being of the community and of individuals. Orpington feels the poor relation in the Borough of Bromley and investment in this facility would be good for everyone and good use of LBB reserves.
Yes when Bromley recently published where they spent money in the last financial year there did not seem to be many projects in and around the Orpington area.
I don’t think an out of town temporary replacement will be accessible by public transport, therefore I do not believe that this will be a valid solution. Plus it’s being in the town centre is a massive bonus to the town and the users of the shops and the Walnuts.
I would like the centre to stay open during refurbishment.
Disabilities and those with chronic injury need to be considered – the pool might be critical for them; and so may the gym be for others.
I don’t think that cleanliness should be merged into discussions about refurbishment as that is a current management issue. There are some points of construction which could improve cleanliness e.g. the sauna floor tiles are newish but were incorrectly laid so that there is always a pool of water.
Please can you clarify whether the management are bound to a service contract which means that they have to pay more than market rates for services. e.g. the local myth that the new sauna door cost £2000 – unless that is the market rate?
Some years ago cleanliness was a persistent problem in the wet change areas. This improved but there are still brown water pools and trails on the flooring around the main pool. It’s the public who make the changing rooms dirty by leaving used nappies in the cubicles or not wearing the shoe covers. The reception areas always look clean to me. I don’t think that the wet change flooring needs to be changed for something cheaper and less robust – so it would be unfortunate if plumbing works required that to be dug up.
I would like the general management attitude toward the public to improve. The staff who work with the public do their best and often they are lovely; but decisions with yes/no response from management, over years, have given me a general impression that there’s a touch of distain. HOWEVER they should consult users on the refurbishment and not ignore them.
I don’t think Mytime have any direct responsibility for maintenance of the Walnuts Leisure Centre although they do for some of the newer leisure centres. Bromley is responsible for maintenance but I would not know how they contract for work to be undertaken. In respect of cleanliness I appreciate it is a separate issue but I think the problems are exacerbated by how tired the fabric of the building is in places. Tiling is not great. I think closures during refurb work should be kept to a minimum but it is unrealistic to expect the building to be refurbished without some amenities being closed for periods of time.
We use the walnuts leisure centre atleast twice a week for both my kids swimming classes and planning to join myself too next month.
Would love to see the current facilities upgraded with minimal closure time similar to Swanley leisure centre. The tiles in the swimming area can definitely use an update
Thank you for your feedback. Swanley was a new build and the old LC remained open whilst work was completed. They were in a fortunate position of having quite a bit of land available to them.
The Walnuts sports centre has been used consistently by my children whilst they were growing up. The had the inflatable in the pool Saturday. The ball park for letting of steam, play and exercise. The Friday might roller discos and half term holiday play schemes. Swimming lessons and somewhere safe for them to play with other children. Without these facilities children and parents have nowhere affordable which is fun, safe, healthy for all children, parents and families. The leisure is so much more than a gym and a pool, it a community centre hub. It’s good for people’s physical and mental health.
I think most people would agree with you.
Hi. I’m a bit late in commenting on the Leisure Centre.
During the Council Elections in 2022, throughout the Planning campaign, and when I have been on various street stalls the Leisure Centre has been a major talking point and of concern that it might be closed for whatever reason. The overwhelming comments have been ‘it’s great but it needs looking after’. The council has not done this. NOW it need developing into something that will serve the whole community for the the next 40 years at least. This is a council facility (OUR facility) and should remain so! The future means an enhanced facility NOT a social gym for apartment dwellers. AS well as activity spaces a swimming pool is obviously the main facility and essential to provide initial swimming lessons, and later in life support for heath. Then there’s everything in between! Race-training, Competitions, Schools swim training, Swim Clubs, Aqua-Dance, Family sessions, Aqua-play, Paddleboarding Yoga, Paddleboarding Polo, Watersports safety training, Just so much!!! Any refurbishment should not just be to replace what is there but to include a vison for the future! This place is ideally located in the heart of Orpington to thrive and flourish. Let’s hope the Council can grasp the opportunity here!!
There are certainly different ways the amenities could be used to cover different sporting/ leisure interests.
I don’t use the Walnuts but I know a lot who do. More than anything we need more decent shops , back in the High Street. Wilko and Pound Land, I understand one of them have negotiated a further 1 year lease but the other will be gone. The butchers at the bottom of the street has closed down. The Pub is supposed to be redeveloped into flats . We need shops as we used to have like Marks & Spencer and good clothing shops, although they are now in the Nugent Centre, and they were supposed, to be enlarging their store but don’t think it now will! If there was some better furnishing shops like Thornbroughs to name but a few, instead of all the cheap jack stores that are now around, and people used the Cinema, which I know couldn’t through covid, then there would be more of a community, hopefully!!
Thank you. These are all important issues although at this point in time our focus is on the Leisure Centre. I expect the retail offer will be debated a great deal if/ when Areli put in a fresh planning application
The Walnuts Leisure centre is a major part of Orpington for all ages. The need for peoples health and wellbeing is so important. But the constant problems with the showers and pool are so frequent.
The building and leisure facility built in the early 70’s has had very little spent on it to keep up with the demand of use. Isn’t it time Bromley council stopped ignoring the situation and dealt with the issues by way of a refurbishment this would be better and cause only a short term disruption for the future of the leisure centre and all its visitors young and old to enjoy.
It is such an important resource and there is no doubt the upkeep has been subject to neglect over the years.
I was there on Sunday, waiting for my kids to arrive so that we could all go swimming.
1. The Buzz Zone soft play area was PACKED.
2. The Roller skate lessons were popular
3. People playing squash.
4. Classes and gym workouts.
The place was BUSY.
The pool is seriously letting the whole centre down.
A 33m pool to any swimmer generally loves the extra 8m per length. There are hundreds of kids using the pool per week for lessons (schools also HAVE to do swimming as part of KS2 PE. All kids should learn how to swim 25m by the end of primary school).
A 50 metre pool would be the crowning jewel of the south east, competitors and professionals would flock to the area to use the facilities, creating much more opportunity. Why not create something even better – and rip out the boiler while you’re at it so that we may get reliable pool and shower temperatures!
I think the boiler has to be replaced otherwise the LC will become unusable. This is now essential. Thanks for your comments.
The price of swimming has gone up again, making Bromley leisure centres (including the Walnuts) more expensive than swimming at centres in neighbouring boroughs and at White Oak Centre in Swanley. When coupled with the boiler issues and the indifference shown by Bromley Council, it looks like the only option is to use centres in neighbouring boroughs or Swanley. So sick of the excuses made by Bromley Council and MyTimeActive.
Yes Bromley will need to think carefully about this. If people start using neighbouring resources that will impact on footfall into Orpington Town Centre.
The Walnuts Leisure Centre is an essential part of Orpington town and must be maintained to provide the whole community with an opportunity to lead an active lifestyle. It currently supports all age groups with accessibility for all and many use the facility to support their well being.
The pool is the centre of the Ojays swimming club whose swimmers & supporters revenue is lucrative to the town. They could certainly benefit from a larger, much improved swimming pool and facilities.
Due to the current closure of the hydrotherapy pool at Orpington Hospital, the Walnuts pool is essential for injury recovery. New plans should consider this when designing the children’s pool area.
A more modern, larger, affordable facility would benefit the whole community
Yes there is a theme as to the benefit to the whole community including the business community of having a fully functioning, well equipped and modernised leisure centre.
The existence of the leisure centre in terms of serving the health and social needs of all members of the community cannot be under-estimated. Nor can the location as it’s served well by public transport. The size of the pool is fine and doesn’t need to be extended in my opinion, however the floor is pretty grubby. The boiler needs replacing, the changing room lockers and shower facilities require improvement too. The general cleanliness of the changing rooms is poor – I don’t expect to see cockroaches (alive and dead) whilst I’m changing. The steam and sauna rooms aren’t bigger enough for the number of users. The gym equipment’s fine but the flooring and general decor could be refreshed.
Yes one would hope the cleanliness would improve if/ when the Leisure Centre is modernised.
The walnuts is a disgrace. Take your money but boiler is constantly broken. Freezing cold water. My children have swimming lessons and can’t have a shower there. By the time they finish it’s late and now have to bath them when at home as well as feed them and so late to bed. Walnuts staff don’t care. But just put the prices up and that’s fine!! Disgraceful from a council and company perspective. The general public are there customers but no one cares, just take your money attitude!
I can imagine no showers with young children is an inconvenience and cancelled classes a real pain. Children need to be attending regularly to learn to swim and improve.
The Walnuts is an invaluable part of our town. The swimming lessons here are fantastic and my daughter has improved in such a short amount of time. The only thing effecting her learning this lifesaving skill is the constant closures of the pool due to the lack of investment. I have used the walnuts my entire life and it hasn’t been given the money or love it deserves. This is not just a sports facility offering a place for people to exercise. It’s a meeting place where parents offer each other therapy over coffee as the kids run riot in softplay. It’s a party venue where families make priceless memories. It’s providing lifesaving, essential skills to the whole community at an affordable cost. We cannot be without this facility and really deserves some investment.
I think you have summed up very well the many functions the Leisure Centre fulfills
I think the leisure centre should close for a period of time while a full refurbishment is carried out. I think this would give us the most bang for our buck. They need to completely refurbish toilets, and possibly a full plumbing over haul across the entire building. The soft play needs air conditioning. They need to bring back the creche which enables families with small children to get some exercise while their children are watched. It closed during COVID and was never brought back so I was never able to go swimming during my maternity leave as I had no one to watch my baby. The seating by the pool needs a new refit. They need a new kitchen so they can offer a better catering menu. Have they stopped offering hot food altogether now? I know you can no longer order hot meals in the softplay. I think the layout and space of the leisure centre works well and it just needs an upgrade to bring it into the modern era and provide a setting that fits the price tag!
I think the refurb needs to happen immediately. We can’t go on with the pool being closed constantly. My children have junior membership but I’m considering cancelling because we are not using it enough to warrant the monthly cost and this is partly because the pool is out of order most of the time. This is also cancelling swimming lessons. I’m sure members and subscribers will be demanding money back left right and centre as they are not offering the service people are paying for. Softplay now costs in excess of £8 per child and when I went on Saturday they had no functioning toilets and you had to go to the changing rooms which is not ideal if you are a lone parent with more than one child.
Thank you so much for your views. I think most people agree that an urgent overhaul is required. It seems a pity that the crèche has not been reinstated and the frequent lack of toilet facilities in the soft play area is totally unacceptable.
The Walnuts is a very well used facility and should be refurbished or replaced with something at least equivalent. Even in current state it is a big draw to the town centre. My children both swim there with OJays and my elderly mother stays active at the classes. A long delay for a rebuild would stop both generations from having that immediate benefit, but I’m interested in what options the scoping exercise throws up.
At the very very least, the near-constant boiler problems need solving, permanently. The pool seems to be closed 50% of the time. I think Bromley council should be embarrassed.
It is certainly a resource that all generations uses. Yes the scope of the scoping exercise is not known.
The current centre is being heavily used, and something needs to be done to improve things especially as the swimming pool is closed quite frequently The leisure centre is in a disgraceful state and urgently needs a comprehensive refurbishment or preferably a total rebuild.
I appreciate the difficulties and greater expense that would occur if it were to be rebuilt but I think in the long term it would be a far better option. The current building is about 50 years old and looks very tired both inside and out and is of a bad design for modern use. If a new building was provided it would be a great opportunity to provide a 50 metre swimming pool, there are no other pools of this length in the south now that the Crystal Palace pool is closed. The council has plenty of money in reserve, let’s see them spend some of it on a top rate facility.
Furthermore there isn’t a decent pool in Bromley town centre!
Thanks for your comment. Yes there are not many decent sized swimming pools in the borough
It is a sad state of affairs when the local leisure centre, a very well used facility for a number of sports and activities, is left underfunded and neglected to now be in its current state, which is unacceptable to many local residents and users. A number the advertised classes, especially those in the pool, are often cancelled due to the boiler breaking down and to the current state of disrepair of the changing rooms; its becoming more frequent and is disappointing and frustrating for all. I think urgent action and funding is required to remedy this building to once again make Orpington proud of The Walnuts as a central community hub. Come on Bromley Council – refurbish the leisure centre and the facilities so that it is fit for purpose in the 21st century – no more sticking plasters, no more excuses, just do it!
The Walnuts Leisure centre is very important to the community of Orpington. For our health and mental wellbeing. It provides a central hub for so many different groups of people. Having gone through Covid it shows even more so that communities need these places. I am a regular user of the swimming pool and although there are other swimming pools in the borough, none of them are convenient for me to get to and none of them have a 33 metre length pool
The Walnuts needs to stay and the council need to invest a lot of money to update the centre. It doesn’t need to be knocked down. Our membership has just been increased and I think we need to see where that money is going. Save our Walnuts LC !!
Yes I think COVID showed how important a resource that acts as a community hub is.
The current health and fitness offerings at the walnuts are not fit for purpose. I would like Bromley to ‘think big’ and ensure that our leisure centre is world class and well cared for. I’m sure that the present building can be refurbished to a very high standard inside and out. I hope that the committee will think very carefully before making their decision as reducing the facilities on offer would be unacceptable.
I think everybody is hoping that Bromley views refurbishing the Leisure Centre as a priority.
I have used The Walnuts all my life, and it’s sad to see it in such a sorry state now. It is in desperate need of a complete refurb, which it must have as the only competitively priced supplier of health and well-being services in Orpington. I also think that a refurb would massively increase revenue, both by increasing numbers of users and spend per user, through a better cafe, more kids parties etc. I take my daughter to soft play and would spend on food and drink if there were any nice options and the place didn’t feel so filthy.
Yes a refurbishment I am sure would attract new members and encourage perhaps those who have left to renew their membership. That would be good for the Town and local businesses.