Updated: November 2024
Kingston Leisure Centre – Planning Application Number 24/02625/LBC
Residents of Chessington have long campaigned for more public leisure facilities, particularly a swimming pool, in the south of the borough. It is nearly five years since the Kingfisher in Kingston closed due to maintenance issues, with the promise from the council of a new facility opening in 2024.
Since 2019 there has been just one public swimming pool in the borough at The Malden Centre, pushing many Chessington residents to seek access to affordable swimming and leisure facilities outside the borough in Leatherhead or Elmbridge, or not participating at all.
The long-awaited planning application for the Kingston Leisure Centre (on the old Kingfisher site) has been submitted. The application is for the provision of a main pool and learner pool, fitness studios, gym, sports halls, health suite, changing facilities, cafe, soft play, enhancements to the existing outdoor play area, landscaping and public realm, cycle parking, blue badge car parking, access and associated works.
According to The Kingston Society, the redevelopment of the Kingfisher Leisure Centre seeks to deliver a modern, accessible facility, but financial, timeline, and community concerns remain. Collaboration will be key to success.
The decision deadline is 3rd January 2025.
Find out more and comment