FAQs Guide

It has been wonderful to open the doors to Woolwich Waves and welcome so many of you into your new leisure centre. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just joined us, you may have some questions about Woolwich Waves. Here you will find a dedicated guide to share updates and answers to frequently asked questions.  
 
I've heard you are doing a soft launch. What does 'soft launch' mean?
For the first few weeks of 2026, we will be in 'soft launch' mode at Woolwich Waves. During the soft launch period:
We will aim to have core activities such as gym, classes, swimming and lessons available across our full opening hours, however this may not always be possible due to factors outside of our control.
As we move through the soft launch period, new activities will be introduced over time.
We will begin with lower capacities, increasing them as time goes on, to ensure that we can give you the best possible customer experience.
Our timetabled activities may regularly change as we finetune our programme based on customer feedback.
On occasion, specific activities may need to be withdrawn at short notice to enable the construction company to complete resolutions to any issues which are discovered.
We are working towards having a full programme and all activities up and running by February half term - look out for details on our half term open weekend soon!

When will the Spa Experience be opening?
Spa Experience is now open and bookable on the BetterUk App. We are currently offering our Thermal Spa Experience which includes access to our luxury sauna and steam rooms and our relaxation room, plus our training pool at selected times. We plan to introduce spa treatments in February.

Some items of fitness equipment that were available at Waterfront Leisure Centre aren't at Woolwich Waves. Why is this?
When we open a new leisure centre, we don't put all of the fitness equipment in at once. We typically install around 80% of what we expect to be the final equipment total. This is so that we can monitor usage and trends, and listen to customer feedback, before purchasing and installing the final 20% of the equipment. We have received lots of feedback from customers already about additional items of equipment that they would like to see, and we're factoring all of this into our thinking ahead of arranging the extra equipment. We will be adding some additional equipment during January, with more items to come in February and March.

What about a Smith Machine - will you be installing one of these?
Better regularly review and update our fitness equipment mix to ensure it aligns with the latest technology and trends, best practice in safety, effectiveness, and member experience. Following careful consideration, we are phasing out Smith machines from our leisure centres, and as such will not be installing one at Woolwich Waves.

We recognise that Smith machines can be used safely when set up correctly, particularly when the adjustable safety stops are positioned appropriately for the exercise being performed. These safety features are designed to reduce risk and, when used as intended, can offer a controlled lifting environment. However, despite clear guidance, signage, and staff efforts to encourage correct setup, industry experience, including our own, shows that these safety stops are frequently not used or are set incorrectly by users. This significantly increases the risk of injury and undermines the intended safety benefits of the equipment.

This concern is reflected more broadly across the fitness industry, where Smith machines have been linked to serious accidents, including fatalities, often arising from improper use, incorrect setup, or a false sense of security when lifting without supervision. While all gym equipment carries some level of risk, our priority is to minimise avoidable hazards wherever possible.

We also know that many of the exercises traditionally performed on a Smith machine can be replicated, and often improved upon by using free weights, cable machines, or bodyweight exercises. These alternatives promote more natural movement patterns, greater engagement of stabilising muscles, and improved functional strength.

To support this approach, our qualified staff are always available on the gym floor to demonstrate safe and effective alternative exercises and to help members tailor movements to their individual abilities and goals. Whether you are new to training or highly experienced, our team is committed to helping you train safely and confidently.

Please be assured that we will continue to review our equipment provision as part of our ongoing commitment to safety and quality. If you would like support in identifying suitable alternatives or guidance with your training, we encourage you to speak with a member of our team.

I am concerned that when I or my child is swimming we can be seen by passers-by outside
All external windows have a pattern etched into them which largely obscures the view from outside, whilst allowing passers-by to see movement within the pools. The design was agreed by the council after extensive consultation and discussions with interested parties. Better will continue to listen to customer feedback and will keep this matter under review.

I am concerned that when my child is in their swimming lesson in the training pool, customers in the cafe can see them swimming
Modern leisure centres often have a viewing area within the cafe looking onto the training or teaching pool. Better operates a strict no photography policy within the cafe which is enforced by our staff and security guards. Again, we will continue to listen to customer feedback on this matter, but it is important that we balance privacy with the desire of parents and guardians to see their children learning to swim. We will be trialling different setups for the cafe area in an attempt to find a solution which satisfies everyone.
 
What facilities are there at Woolwich Waves?
You can find our facilities here  

My membership included access to the Health Suite (Sauna) at Waterfront Leisure Centre. Will I have access to Spa Experience at Woolwich Waves?
Spa Experience is a different product to the Health Suite and is not included in existing memberships. We offer dedicated memberships which include Spa Experience access, and also reduced price sessions available each week on a 'pay as you go' basis.
 
What lessons and courses will you offer at Woolwich Waves?
We are currently offering swimming lessons. We will soon be adding more lessons in sports such as:
Gymnastics
Football
Basketball
And even more to follow