Engineering work drives new West Drayton leisure centre closer to completion
Thursday 27 March 2025: The construction of Hillingdon Council's new Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre is advancing at pace with key recent works including the tiling of swimming pools and mechanical and electrical engineering fitout.
The mechanical and electrical engineering work, currently taking place throughout the building won't be visible to residents once open, but includes the installation of a pool filtration system, air source thermal controls, and lighting to ensure the building runs efficiently in line with the council's net zero commitment. Hundreds of solar panels have also been installed on the roof of the building.
The three swimming pools were successfully filled with water and tested for leaks earlier this year. Since then, tiling of the main 25-metre eight lane pool and training pool has been completed, and the leisure pool is underway after the water slide was installed.
Work is also underway to create a rooftop five-a-side football 3G pitch, which will be suitable for playing in most conditions. The shock absorbent base layer and sand-filled 3G surface have been installed, and the final finishes are currently taking place.
The external scaffolding was dismantled last year revealing the building's visually impressive exterior with attractive brickwork and large windows to maximise natural light within the centre. Work will soon also commence to create the 135 space car park including 17 disabled spaces.
Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, said: "It's exciting to see this impressive facility take another step closer to completion.
"We are committed to investing in our leisure facilities to ensure they are high quality and enable residents to live active, fulfilling lives.
"Sustainability has been at the heart of the build, and the work is currently focused on the behind-the-scenes mechanics which will ensure the building runs efficiently in line with our carbon neutral ambitions."
Once the mechanical and engineering works are complete, the next phases of the project will focus on delivering the areas visitors will see and interact with most and preparing them for equipment to be installed, such as changing rooms, two-level gym, dance and spin studios, sports hall, climbing wall. entrance foyer and café.
In May 2024, the council announced it would directly manage the remaining delivery of the project, working alongside multiple contractors, many of them local businesses.
The site is on track for completion this autumn.
To stay up to date with the new leisure centre visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/platinum-jubilee-leisure-centre.
