[title]
Visiting your local indoor waterpark as a kid is a nostalgic memory firmly lodged into everyone’s minds. Yes, there were probably used plasters floating on the water surface and a distant smell of sick, but the thrill of bombing down a water slide for the first time is still a cherished core memory.
So Woolwich locals will be sad to learn that Waterfront Leisure Centre, which was built in 1988, will soon be demolished and likely sold off for housing. This probably won’t come as a surprise as the leisure complex was rundown after 30 years of business. Reviews on TripAdvisor alleged there was black mould growing in the site and some of the water slides were closed for maintenance.
But don’t fret, southeast Londoners. When the Waterfront finally closes, it will make way for a shiny new water park opposite General Gordon Square. Woolwich Waves, which was named by residents through a vote (luckily not a repeat of Boaty McBoatface), cost £115 million to construct. That money has been put to good use. There will be two pools, slides, a two-floor gym, sports halls, squash courts, soft play and a sauna. The centre hopes to open with a splash in December.
Greenwich Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, said: ‘The regeneration of Woolwich remains a key priority for the council and Woolwich Waves sits at the heart of that. It will add to an impressive and transformative portfolio of delivery which includes the refurbishment of Tramshed Theatre, the opening of Woolwich Works, and the extensive improvements throughout the town centre, all of which are making Woolwich a more attractive place for people to live, visit, shop and work.’
As for the 2.25 acre Waterfront Leisure Centre site next to the Woolwich Ferry, no developer has been agreed upon yet. It’s been speculated that Berkeley Homes, which already built flats on water park’s old car park, might take it on. A decision will be reached at next week’s council meeting on November 19.
Cllr Rahman added: ‘The closure of the existing Waterfront Leisure Centre has always been part of the long-term plan of the delivery of Woolwich Waves.
‘Subject to approval by Cabinet, it is recommended that the old Waterfront Leisure Centre building is demolished, when it becomes vacant, to avoid anti-social behaviour and associated security costs – challenges that come with a building sitting vacant. Then steps would be taken to repurpose the site for future sale that would be subject to a transparent and competitive process, ensuring best value for the borough.
‘The repurposing of the Waterfront site would pave the way for more much-needed housing and contribute to the council’s and the Mayor of London’s affordable housing targets.’
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.