Name unveiled for new leisure centre in Hornchurch
Hornchurch’s new leisure centre, currently under construction next to the existing sports centre, has been officially named as Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre.
The centre will replace the existing Hornchurch Sports Centre and is part of the Council’s drive to provide new and improved sports facilities, in partnership with Everyone Active, who manage the Council’s leisure centres.
Once open, residents will be able to enjoy a 25m eight-lane swimming pool, a 20m wide learning and diving pool with movable floor to change the depth, a 100 plus station health and fitness suite, a sports hall, three exercise studios and top-class changing facilities.
Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre is part of a huge investment in leisure and sports facilities across the borough by Havering Council, which includes Sapphire Ice & Leisure in Romford.
Sapphire Ice and Leisure has seen over a million visitors since opening in February 2018, and was crowned Civic Building of the Year in the SPACES Awards for its innovative use of space and high building quality.
The Council has also settled on a site for a new leisure centre in the south of the borough.
A planning application for the centre is imminent, and subject to planning approval, it is expected to open in early 2022.
Previously set to open later this year, Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre will now open in early 2021, subject to further impact from Covid 19.
Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:
"After what has been a difficult time for our leisure centres, it’s great to be able to share this news with the community. Once completed, the centre will offer a whole range of activities and services that residents can get involved in to keep fit and healthy – something that is more important than ever.
"Our leisure centres are very popular with the community, and we are committed to providing the facilities residents need to live happy and healthy lives.”
Tom Fletcher, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, commented:
"This is another fantastic step towards welcoming the local community to our new centre. Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre will be pivotal in providing a wide range of facilities to the community and engaging people from all backgrounds in exercise."
"This positive news is welcome after the past few months and we are continuing to work hard with Havering Council and our partner, Metnor Construction, to ensure that every aspect of the build is completed to the highest quality.
“We’re delighted to be able to continue improving the lives and wellbeing of people in Havering and the surrounding areas.”
Sapphire Ice and Leisure, Hornchurch Sports Centre and Central Park Leisure Centres have now reopened with a reduced list of activities and available spaces following easing of Covid 19 lockdown measures.