New Addington residents are being invited to view exciting new plans for a multimillion-pound leisure and community centre in Central Parade.
The £17.5m proposals include a new multi-level leisure and community centre, improved community space and the facilities for a range of sports to be played, including badminton and basketball.
People are being offered the chance of viewing and commenting on the plans, in the former library building, on
• Friday 26 February between 2pm and 6.30pm; and
• Saturday 27 February between 11am and 3pm.
Local people helped shape the priorities and told the council that, in addition to a community centre offering fresh, modern facilities, they were keen to see a new, state-of-the-art leisure centre incorporated into the plans.
The community centre proposals feature two multi-purpose halls – each with kitchen space – a café, meeting rooms, offices and dressing rooms, and there is the option of licence applications for booked events. A demountable stage will be available for community shows and the ever-popular annual panto.
The council’s aim is that the centre will be inviting and exciting, and offer flexible spaces that appeal to, and can be used and enjoyed by, all sectors of the community.
While some parking provision is planned, the building’s position on the site would ensure easy access, by pedestrians and the disabled, both from Central Parade and Chertsey Crescent.
Proposals for the new leisure centre – in addition to a 25-metre, six-lane main swimming pool – include a learning pool and spectator seating. Other facilities in the complex could include a café, fitness suite, sport hall, crèche and studios.
Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning
“As a council, we’re keen that the people of New Addington benefit from first-class regeneration that will enhance and improve their lives.
“Much thought and consideration have gone into these proposals, and we’re confident that they’ll fulfil local needs.
“This scheme will make a huge difference, both to residents and businesses, and we’d like everybody to go along to the exhibition to see exactly what’s on the table and let us know what they think of the proposals.”
New Addington councillor Oliver Lewis said: “A new community and leisure centre offering top-of-the-range facilities is an exciting development for New Addington. I’m proud that this council is delivering on its pledges to local people and I look forward to hearing their views at the exhibition.”
