Wandsworth’s leisure and sports centres enter a new chapter

Places Leisure was re-appointed earlier this year to operate eight of the borough’s leisure, swimming and sports centres starting this October, following a competitive tender process.

Places Leisure will improve, enhance and modernise facilities, launch a new Active Communities programme to encourage inactive residents to move more, and continue to support Access for All, Britain’s best concession scheme, which offers eligible residents 50 percent to 100 per cent discounts on key leisure services such as gym and swim.

One of the first improvement projects is a new Soft Play area at Putney Leisure Centre for children under five, fitted with age-appropriate Soft Play equipment, including sensory stations and imaginative play corners.

Opening in November, it will support the Council’s ambitious Year of Play, a strategy seeking to make Wandsworth the best place for children to grow, explore and enjoy the freedom of play, and will be free to use for Access for All members, ensuring it can be enjoyed by all residents.

This will be followed by the installation of a new Fitness Suite in Latchmere Leisure Centre, a £350k investment which will include a refurbished gym and brand-new exercise equipment to aid residents in their fitness journeys.

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

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

“As a listening council, we know that local residents want more accessible play opportunities in Putney, so I’m delighted to be prioritising the new Soft Play area as part of our plans.

“Putney Leisure Centre is also one of the venues that will benefit from a £4.5 million investment from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund to make buildings more sustainable and cut energy use by 92%.”

Works to refurbish and modernise the eight centres Places Leisure now manage will be funded as part of a £24 million investment from both Wandsworth Council and Places Leisure. Residents will be able to provide feedback and shape the future of leisure and sports improvements.

Belinda Steward, Managing Director of Places Leisure, added: “Places Leisure has operated and managed facilities within Wandsworth for many years, meaning we have seen first-hand the incredible impact these centres have on the local community. We are delighted to be extending our successful partnership with Wandsworth Council for a further 10 years.

“The facilities across the borough are much loved pillars of the community and provide opportunities for local people of all ages and abilities to enjoy being active and to bring people together. Alongside Wandsworth Council, we are excited to begin our investment plans which will make much-needed upgrades, as well as introduce some exciting new developments, transforming services for residents.”

See the full list of ways the new contract will be investing in better facilities and other ways it will be adding value back into the local community.

Which centres are included?

Places Leisure now manage the following centres. The majority of these were already managed by Places Leisure, except for Battersea Sports Centre: 

• Tooting Leisure Centre 
• Tooting Bec Lido 
• Putney Leisure Centre 
• Roehampton Sport and Fitness Centre 
• Balham Leisure Centre 
• Latchmere Leisure Centre 
• Wandle Recreation Centre 
• Battersea Sports Centre (previously managed by Enable Leisure and Culture) 

Get involved

Join your local centre and enjoy top-class facilities, classes, and community programmes. Explore what’s on near you by visiting your nearest centre’s website.

If you are interested in our Access for All scheme, check your eligibility and sign up to become a member for free today.