Willesden’s £16m leisure centre opens

The new Willesden Sports Centre was officially opened by Culture Minister Tessa Jowell yesterday (20 February).

Facilities at the centre include a six-lane 25m swimming pool, a four-court sports hall, a fully equipped health and fitness suite, a martial arts dojo and indoor athletics amenities.

The fitness equipment has been supplied by Life Fitness and includes a 100-station cv suite and a free weight area.

Other amenities include a sauna, steam room and aerobic studio as wel l as a multi-purpose room.

The centre, which had its soft opening at the end of last year, has already attracted 2,600 members to sign up.

The sports centre will also provide a home for three of the borough’s sports clubs – Brent Dolphins Swimming Club, Queens Park Harriers and the Willesden Judo Club.

The facility replaces the former leisure centre on the site – built in the 1960s and deemed outdated and inadequate – and has been designed to complement the neighbouring Capital City Academy, which has specialist sports college status.

The site is owned by Brent Council and will be operated by leisure management company Leisure Connection.

Graham Farrant, chief executive of Leisure Connection, said: “This site will provide a much needed mix of high quality leisure and sports facilities for the local community.” Details: www.leisureconnection.co.uk