Woolwich Waves leisure centre opened its doors on 1 January 2026, replacing the former Waterfront Leisure Centre in Woolwich, London.

Charitable social enterprise GLL will operate the flagship facility under its Better brand, in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Workout facilities include a two-storey gym, two dance studios, a 30-bike spinning studio and a bootcamp HIT studio. There's also an eight-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, training pool and leisure pool with two waterslides and a toddler splash zone.

There is a 3G, five-a-side football pitch, six badminton court sports hall and two squash courts, a creche, two soft play areas, a party space and a cafe.

Additionally, Woolwich Waves has a health suite with spa, sauna and therapy rooms.

Rooftop solar panels are expected generate 250,000 KWh per year – providing heat to the building.

Peter Bundey, GLL chief executive, says the new site is an iconic facility: “The new leisure centre is truly state of the art and is already creating significant community interest.  

“As a charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-op we welcome the chance to also use Woolwich Waves to widen and deepen employment and social opportunity for local people.” 

Richard Gallagher, GLL partnership manager for Greenwich said: "Woolwich Waves is the first-class replacement for the much-loved Waterfront Leisure Centre which had served Woolwich residents proudly for 36 years.

"GLL are over the moon to have been entrusted by The Royal Borough of Greenwich to operate their brand-new facility with a remit to get more people active. It has certainly got off to a great start this new year with visitor numbers up 300 per cent compared to the same period last year at the old centre.

"New memberships and sign-ups for swimming lessons are also flying - which is testament to the high quality of the facilities - some of the best seen in the capital - and the wide range of dry and wet side activities offered."

Peter Bundey spoke at the HCM Summit in October about GLL being a values-led model and the impact this has on the business.