Woolwich Waves leisure centre opening on 1st January 2026
A new leisure centre in Woolwich town centre is set to open on 1st January 2026.
It’s located on General Gordon Square near Woolwich Arsenal station and replaces the Waterfront centre which will close and be demolished before being sold.
The first ten days will be a “soft launch” before full opening on 10 January.
Located on the former Viscount House it features a 25 metre pool, internal slide (no diving outside the building as in the Waterfront), training pool and play pool, sports courts, gym, spa and a café.
GLL will operate the centre under their “Better” brand. GLL operate all the borough’s leisure centres and libraries.
The Tram Shed remains and was the recipient of a refurbishment project in recent years.
To the rear of the new leisure centre new homes will be built which includes the demolition of the Bull Tavern pub and adjacent shops.
Revised plans were recently approved which increased housing totals from 482 to 557.
Another development set to rise in 2026 is the nearby Woolwich Central block in front of Woolwich Tesco.
That’s to be built on the former Post Office site. After demolition the Post Office moved into WH Smiths before they closed earlier this year. The town now lacks any Post Office.
So as ever in Woolwich changes a plenty continue with a lot more to happen in the new year.
Another area of the town centre set for changes is former public land on Macbean Street which was home to Woolwich poly school. Those plans for 930 student rooms, 425 co-living room and 93 flats are set to be approved tonight.
Morgan Sindall were responsible for constructing the Woolwich Waves centre. The architects are Faulkner Browns.
