Woolwich Waves set to open on New Year’s Day
Woolwich Waves leisure centre will open its doors to the public on New Year's Day in the heart of Woolwich Town Centre.
Charitable social enterprise GLL will operate the flagship facility in partnership with Royal Borough of Greenwich - and under its 'Better' brand.
Featuring three pools, water slides, a huge two-storey gym, soft plays and spa, customers of all ages will be able to make use of the state-of-the-art facilities to boost their health and wellbeing.
At the official handover ceremony on 2 December, Peter Bundey, GLL Chief Executive, said: “GLL are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich by operating the new Woolwich Waves.
“The new leisure centre is truly state of the art and is already creating significant community interest. This iconic facility is much more than a fitting replacement of the popular Waterfront Leisure Centre; it is a proud civic statement.
“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.”
Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:
“The start of 2026 will see the moment thousands of residents have been waiting for as they will be able to experience for the first time the leisure centre they helped to name.
"It's not just an exemplar leisure centre any city would be proud to have which is aiming for the highest sustainability measures."
Woolwich Waves offers:
- Eight-lane, 25m swimming pool, training pool and leisure pool with two water slides
- toddler splash zone
- extra large, hi-tech gym across two floors
- two dance studios, 30-bike spinning studio, and bootcamp HIT studio
- health suite with spa, sauna and therapy rooms
- 3G, five-a-side football pitch
- six badminton court sports hall and two squash courts
- creche, two soft play areas, a party space, and a cafe
Rooftop solar panels are expected generate 250,000 KWh per year – providing heat to the building.
The new facilities replace the much-loved Waterfront Leisure Centre which will now close.
The name was chosen through a public vote.