A traditional construction ceremony this week celebrated a major milestone in the development of New Addington’s brand new multi-million leisure and community centre.
The Leader of Croydon Council, cabinet members and construction firm Wilmott Dixon were on the Central Parade site this Thursday as the ‘topping out’ marked the completion of the building’s outer structure.
This was the latest step in the major regeneration project which will radically transform the western side of Central Parade.
The modern leisure centre, with extended sports and leisure facilities, will include a 25-metre, six-lane main swimming pool and a learning pool, a fitness suite, sport halls and multi-purpose activity studios.
The new development will also offer flexible spaces that can be enjoyed by the local community, including two halls with capacity for around 300 people, with a kitchen, bar, and storage rooms.
In addition eight much-needed family homes will be built, fronting onto Chertsey Crescent.
Construction is due to complete in January 2020 , with the New Addington Leisure Centre set to open to the public soon after then. The project has created more than 75 jobs for Croydon residents.
“This stunning new leisure development will make a huge difference to our local community here in New Addington, with modern facilities that everyone can enjoy and use to stay healthy. I’m delighted to mark this construction milestone and look forward to the opening.”
Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
Director for South London South East of Willmott Dixon, Brian Warner commented: “It has been a pleasure to welcome guests onto site to mark this significant milestone. We are committed to leaving a lasting legacy in our local communities and this project has been particularly special for us.
“One reason in particular, is because it became home to our first Building Lives Academy, which aims to upskill young people in Croydon and provide them with a foot in the door to the Construction Industry – the results have been great so far!
“We are delighted to be working with Croydon Council to deliver this fantastic new facility and cannot wait to see the community enjoying the facilities when it opens.”
The leisure centre development is a key part of the council’s extensive regeneration plans for New Addington. Planning permission was granted in December for a brand new community centre in Fieldway, combining the existing Fieldway Family Centre and the Timebridge Community Centre. A new free school for children with special educational needs is also planned to open on the Timebridge site in 2020.
Residents were recently consulted on further proposals, including a new wellbeing centre, improved open space in front of the new leisure centre, new homes and shops. Their feedback will inform future plans for the area.
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