To mark National Fitness Day, former Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew MBE and Joanne McCartney, Deputy Mayor for Children and Families, joined the local community to celebrate the official opening of Canada Water Leisure Centre.
The event was hosted by Southwark Council Leader, Councillor Sarah King, and Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People. Local residents and community groups were invited to tour the new leisure centre and explore the red bridge, a striking feature of the wider Canada Water development that enhances wetlands and supports increased biodiversity, delivered in partnership with British Land.
Southwark Council has officially launched the brand-new Canada Water Leisure Centre with a community celebration, marking a major milestone in the ambitious transformation of Canada Water, London’s first new town centre in 50 years.
Delivered in partnership with British Land as part of the 53-acre Canada Water Masterplan, the flagship leisure centre replaces the much-loved but outdated Seven Islands Leisure Centre, and is already proving hugely popular with residents with an average of 2,000 visits per day.
Since opening its doors earlier this month, the centre has registered over 5,500 members, including more than 2,000 who transferred from Seven Islands. There has been an 500% increase in participation in the “Silver” programme for over-60s, which will expand further and the Learn to Swim programme now supporting 1,368 learners.
With a 25-metre, 8-lane swimming pool, large gym, specialist fitness studios, multi-use sports hall, modern changing areas and fully accessible facilities, the leisure centre has been designed to the highest standards. It also meets the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ efficiency rating, reducing carbon emissions and operating costs.
Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, said:
“The opening of Canada Water Leisure Centre is a landmark moment for Southwark. Working in partnership with British Land, we have delivered a facility our residents can be proud of, one that is already thriving, with thousands of people using it every day.
“Across the capital, councils are facing tough choices that often mean leisure facilities lose out. Here in Southwark, we are bucking that trend, investing in high-quality, accessible facilities that support the health and wellbeing of all our residents.
“Canada Water is on the brink of exciting change, and this centre is the perfect example of how we’re creating an inclusive community for the future.”
Deputy Mayor for Children and Families, Joanne McCartney, said: “Canada Water Leisure Centre is already proving to be a fantastic asset for local families, offering opportunities for people of all ages to be active, learn new skills and come together as a community. Facilities like this play a vital role in improving health and wellbeing, as well as providing safe, inclusive spaces where children and young Londoners can thrive. I am delighted to see this centre open its doors as we build a better, healthier London for all.”
The Canada Water Masterplan will deliver up to 3,000 net zero carbon homes, 2 million square ft of sustainable workspace for 20,000 workers, a new town square, and London’s first new high street in a century.
The new facility also builds on the Council’s wider investment in leisure across the borough, including the redevelopment of Burgess Park Sports Centre in partnership with the Football Foundation, and a £2 million programme to refurbish gyms across Southwark.
For more information, and to join Canada Water Leisure Centre, visit Southwark Leisure.
