A ceremonial ground-breaking took place in West Drayton this week as residents moved one step closer to a new, ultra-modern leisure centre.
The contract for the new development was agreed in January between Hillingdon Council and developers Buckingham Group Contracting Limited.
Members of both parties were joined by others on the project team at the site, on the corner of Harmondsworth Road and Rowlheys Place, to mark the official start of the build.
Residents were consulted on the plans in September 2019 and their feedback has been incorporated into the design wherever possible.
The leisure centre will house a 25-metre swimming pool, training pool, splash-zone, gym and health suite, soft play, climbing wall, youth zone, a café and terrace, and even a rooftop 3G turf football pitch.
Sustainability will be a heart of the project, which will use environmental best practices for reducing the carbon footprint during both construction and the ongoing life of the sports centre.
Works are underway with tree surveys and bore holes taking place this month, demolition of the old buildings due in mid-April, and ground works scheduled to begin this summer.
The new leisure centre will be a vital community amenity serving residents of Yiewsley and West Drayton and affirms the council’s commitment to providing first class leisure opportunities for residents and enabling them to live healthier, more active lives.
Cllr Susan O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Families, Education and Wellbeing, said: “It is fantastic news for residents that this brilliant new leisure centre is now one step closer.
“We’re delighted to have Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd on board who I am sure will lead this project brilliantly and deliver a first-class facility that residents deserve and will no doubt become a real hub for the local community. “Once complete, Hillingdon will have an enviable offering of leisure facilities serving everyone, from elite sportspeople, to those just trying to lead a more active lifestyle.”
