Frequently asked questions

No, the main changing area is a mixed-gender facility with individual and family changing cubicles, including 12 single,12 double, and four family cubicles. Additionally, there will be a room for disabled users, and two grouped changing rooms equipped with standard seating and coat hooks.

To implement these major upgrades and ensure the facilities meet the highest standards, the project is now scheduled for completion in Summer 2026.

Once the new facility is open, it will offer local families enormous health and social benefits for years to come. We are confident that the positive impact of this project will be felt throughout the entire community.

As part of the development, Wanstead High School pupils will benefit from new modernised classrooms, ensuring they get the best educational experience possible. A new canteen will also feature in the new development. It will boast a state-of-the-art 25-metre swimming pool, dance studios, a new reception area, and accessible changing rooms.

Despite the challenges posed by over a decade of austerity, Redbridge Council is steadfast in its commitment to delivering new leisure facilities. The construction of the new community facility, including the brand-new swimming pool, is progressing steadily, with significant strides being made. This commitment ensures that families now and future generations have access to these vital facilities.

We will minimise noise during exam periods to avoid disturbing pupils. We will introduce acoustic barriers in affected rooms to help lower noise levels further. We understand that exam time is stressful, and pupils' education is our top priority.

The total cost of the new leisure centre is approximately £20m, including design, demolition, site preparation, construction, project management, and fit-out. This cost aligns with the current market for similar projects and represents good value for money. The new centre will generate future income and significantly benefit the surrounding community.

We are taking every step possible to minimise disruption to pupils. This includes doing more work during holiday periods and providing the school with a timetable for the major work.

While many local authorities are pausing investment, we are pressing ahead with the construction of a new swimming pool, classrooms, specialist art studios, a dedicated IT suite, and a modern dining space. Delivering new leisure facilities has become increasingly difficult, especially after more than a decade of austerity. Despite these challenges, we’re pleased to report that construction is progressing at a steady pace.

This ambitious scheme was first designed several years ago. To ensure the final result is truly future-proof, we are enhancing the original plans to deliver state-of-the-art technology and facilities for both the new classrooms and the swimming pool. This includes a cutting-edge IT suite developed in collaboration with the school, and a safety system for members of the public using the pool.

To implement these major upgrades and ensure the facilities meet the highest standards, the project is now scheduled for completion in Summer 2026. We recognise that delays can occur during complex construction projects, and we are committed to using this time to create a landmark development that will serve the community for decades to come.

The Headteacher of Wanstead High School, Emma Hillman, recently shared her enthusiasm for the exciting new school facilities being developed for current students and generations to come. She said: “We are beyond excited about the new building and what it will offer our young people. Our pupils deserve the best, and we cannot wait to make use of the new classrooms, canteen, and toilets.”

Our focus remains firmly on driving this transformative project to a successful completion. For regular updates, please visit Engage Redbridge.

Once the building is nearing completion, we will provide more information on how users can access discounts and further information on membership prices.

To help ensure the new building has a low carbon footprint, the project will benefit from energy-efficient features, some of which include:  

• High-quality windows and improved air sealing to reduce energy loss.
• Natural and mechanical ventilation systems, high-efficiency boilers, and smart lighting controls
• Solar panels on the roof of the teaching block. These panels will generate enough electricity to cover 20% of the teaching block's energy needs.
• Sensor taps that minimise water usage. 

As the project nears completion, we are eager to engage with the local community regarding the opening of the new facility. Your feedback on the opening event, participation in the opening ceremony, and insights on how the new facility can best serve your needs are all crucial to us.

Yes, the new leisure centre will be accessible for parents with young children. The facilities include:

• Family changing cubicles—Four cubicles are equipped with baby changing tables, and there is an additional table in the toilet for those with disabilities.
• Spacious mixed–gender changing village- Large private cubicles allowing families to get changed together.

While we understand the importance of parking, the new leisure centre will not have additional parking spaces. This is to encourage the use of public transport and reduce the centre's environmental impact. However, the leisure centre is easily accessible, with excellent transport links via buses and two local London Underground stations.

We recently updated the project page on our website with new images showcasing the progress made on site. We have also updated the project timeline to give people an idea of progress.

As we approach the completion of this exciting project, we want to assure you of our commitment to actively engaging with parents and the wider local community. To keep everyone informed, we will continue to share progress and significant milestones through the council's main communications channels, including Redbridge Life and social media. 

It's important to stress that the Wanstead Leisure Centre project has a dedicated Programme Management Team. This team provides regular feedback to the senior management team at Wanstead High School on any developments and emerging issues. The school, in turn, updates local parents, ensuring everyone is kept updated on a much more localised level.

We appreciate that large-scale construction projects can invariably disrupt local communities, and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused. The new leisure centre will bring numerous benefits to the community, including improved health and fitness opportunities, a modern learning environment for students, and a boost to the local economy. 

At the same time, very few local authorities in the UK are investing in leisure facilities, building swimming pools, and creating new classrooms for pupils. Therefore, we are very proud to provide this vital infrastructure to the people of Redbridge.