New Addington’s brand new £25m leisure and community centre celebrated its official opening on 16th January, with an evening of live music, performances and demonstrations showcasing the stunning new facilities. 

A major investment by Croydon Council and the latest milestone in New Addington’s regeneration, the opening was attended by Leader of the Council, Councillor Tony Newman and Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, who formally opened the centre. 

Centre-users, community members and guests were treated to dazzling displays from Beeja Dance Company and local musician Silvastone, along with demonstrations from sporting groups and individuals. 

Among them were Commonwealth Bronze medallist GSF wrestler Syerus Eslami; Rayen Cupid, GLL Sports Foundation (GSF) weightlifter; synchronised swimming troupe Aquabatix; New Addington Short Mat Bowls Club; New Addington Judo Club; and New Addington Table Tennis Club. 

The modern leisure centre, with extended sports and leisure facilities, includes a 25-metre, six-lane main swimming pool and a learning pool, an extensive fitness suite, sport halls and multi-purpose activity studios.

The new development also offers 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.

The project has created more than 75 jobs for Croydon residents. It has also been home to contractor Wilmott Dixon’s 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.

Simon Sen, Regional Director, GLL, said: “We are proud to open New Addington Leisure Centre, in partnership with Croydon Council. As a social enterprise, we are committed to providing outstanding leisure facilities and services, to improve lives in the communities that we serve.

“This fantastic new facility will allow us to reach even more local people, to improve health and wellbeing by getting active and we are excited to welcome both new and existing customers.”

Councillor Oliver Lewis said: “I’m delighted to formally open the new New Addington Leisure Centre – it’s a stunning space with first-class facilities, inclusive and accessible to all, with something for everyone in New Addington’s diverse community, whether they want to keep fit or socialise with friends and family. It’s great to see so many people enjoying it already - it’s going to make a real difference to the local community.”