Groundworks are set to begin at the long-awaited Gurnell Leisure Centre site after Ealing Council approved preparatory works ahead of full construction later this year.
The council’s cabinet agreed on last week (11 February 2026) to move forward with “enabling works”, including excavation, levelling and drainage, to ready the site for the main build phase. The works are expected to start in the spring.
Plans for the new centre include a 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool, which the council says would make Ealing one of only three London boroughs with a pool of that length. The development is also set to feature a waterpark with slides and a lazy river, exercise studios and a café. Outdoor facilities are planned to include a skate park, cycle track, outdoor gym and children’s playground.
Peter Mason, the council leader, said: “We are committed to bringing a first-class Gurnell Leisure Centre back for residents to enjoy for decades to come. Now we are reaching the next exciting phase.”
In a related move, the cabinet approved the disposal of neighbouring land for housing. Countryside Properties has been named preferred supplier for the scheme, which has outline planning permission for up to 300 homes. The contract has entered a standstill period under procurement law.
The council said details of the final funding strategy and main construction contract would be brought forward for approval in due course.
