Woolwich’s new Waterfront leisure centre plans edge forward
Some new snippets of information have emerged about plans to shut Waterfront leisure centre in Woolwich and open on a new site off General Gordon Square.
The scheme has seen a few delays with a 2024/25 date now estimated, and according to a report: “the Council is in advanced negotiations to purchase a property on Powis Street which will enable the relocation of The Point. Negotiations are also advanced in securing vacant possession of Viscount House by 2020″.
Interesting that it says purchase a shop unit in Powis Street and not lease. The Point offers services to 16-19 years olds.
Moving The Point doesn’t assist with the main sticking point which is Wilco’s not budging from the site and having a long lease. Until they move plans cannot proceed.
If they do gain possession in 2020 the 2024/25 date for a new centre seems quite slow. Particularly if that’s only phase 1 and not phase 2 including new homes.
The move has taken so long money is now having to be spent on short term fixes for the existing leisure centre.
Are Wilkinsons to be offered new premises in Woolwich Town Centre or are Wilkinsons (WIlko’s) planning to leave Woolwich at the end of their lease? I hope it is not the latter with the retailer leaving the town.
I am guessing it would just be to costly for the retailer to leave the current premises until the current lease expires. So there is not much they can actually do at this time.
However, I think the new leisure centre when built will be a vast improvement on the existing Waterfront Leisure Centre and will be centrally and conveniently located in the Town Centre and be close both to Woolwich Arsenal Station/DLR Station and several bus routes. So will be much easier to get to for families disabled people and older people who will use the new Leisure Centre facilities.
is the new leisure centre going to include a fun pool like the current waterfront leisure centre ? that being water slides and wave pool features ? seeing the current pool gains most it’s cash off the famous snake slide and other water features. To not include these or move over the slides would definitely not work in the buildings favour. Many family’s will abandon swimming in woolwich without these features