New leisure centre with swimming pool, dance studio and classrooms in East London

A new state-of-the-art leisure centre featuring a 25-metre swimming pool, dance studios and modernised school facilities is taking shape in Wanstead, Redbridge, with completion expected by the end of 2025.

The development will provide the community with accessible changing rooms and a new reception area, while students at Wanstead High School will benefit from updated classrooms and a new canteen.

During a recent site visit, Redbridge Council Leader Cllr Kam Rai highlighted the significance of the investment. They said: "Few local authorities are currently investing in leisure facilities, building swimming pools, and creating new classrooms for pupils," he said. "We are therefore very proud to be able to provide this vital infrastructure to local people in our borough."

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The facility has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating several energy-efficient features including solar panels that will generate 20% of the teaching block's electricity needs. Other eco-friendly measures include high-efficiency boilers, smart lighting

Cllr Rai added "We're making considerable progress in delivering a brand-new swimming pool for families now and future generations. At the same time, new modernised classrooms for pupils at Wanstead High School are being built as we speak. Once the new facility is open, it will offer local families enormous health and social benefits for years and years to come.”

Sarah Williams, Wanstead High School Business Manager, said: “It's great to finally see some light at the end of the tunnel. Our pupils are very excited about the new swimming pool, improved leisure facilities, improved dining spaces, and purposefully designed classrooms. We also look forward to reclaiming and transforming the outdoor area into a calm, inviting space to enhance pupils' school experience.”

The extension to the leisure centre and school will include:

• A new 25 metre swimming pool

• Four additional classrooms

• An extended playground

• Dance studios.

• A commercial kitchen

• A reception area

• Accessible changing rooms

Despite the financial challenges, Redbridge Council maintains this investment will ensure families and future generations have access to vital community facilities.

The construction, being carried out by partner Jerram Falkus, is reportedly progressing "full steam ahead" according to Cllr Rai.

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