The new Woolwich Waves leisure centre will open its doors for the first time on New Year’s Day, Greenwich Council has confirmed.
Council officials handed over the new centre to its leisure contractor, Better, on Tuesday, marking the start of a four-week countdown to its launch.
The new centre, which will replace the Waterfront Leisure Centre, includes an eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a training pool with sensory and interactive light features, a leisure pool with jets and a jacuzzi, two water slides, and a toddler splash zone.
A gym, two dance studios and a 30-bike spinning studio will also open next month, alongside a health suite with spa, sauna and therapy rooms.
The top floor of the building has a 3G five-a-side football pitch, while there will be six badminton courts and two squash courts. There will also be two soft play areas and a creche.
Officials are planning a soft-launch from New Year’s Day and are warning that not all facilities will be open from the start. The full launch is due to be on January 10, when there will be an open weekend.
The Woolwich Waves project has also included the refurbishment of the Tramshed Theatre next door, while revised plans for new housing behind were approved last month. The centre was named after a public vote.
Anthony Okereke, the council leader, said: “The start of 2026 will see the moment thousands of residents have been waiting for as they will be able to experience for the first time the leisure centre they helped to name.
“It’s not just an exemplar leisure centre any city would be proud to have which is aiming for the highest sustainability measures – it’s also what’s come with it such as the refurbishment of Tramshed Theatre, as well as what’s to come in the form of much-needed future new homes, shops, places to eat and public spaces. “
“I can’t wait to see the look on residents’ faces when they visit for the first time.”
The Waterfront will be demolished and the Thames-side site sold for housing. The council has not yet announced when the old centre’s last day will be.
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