First look at Stratford’s new Atherton Leisure Centre
A computer generated image of the new Atherton Leisure Centre. - Credit: Archant
Work on the new Atherton Leisure Centre will start within weeks after councillors came to an agreement over a development plan.
Newham Council met on Tuesday (July 16) at Old Town Hall, Stratford, to discuss a planning application put forward by Woodford Green-based developer Mulalley.
The contractor was chosen to re-build the Atherton on the Romford Road site, Stratford, after the council demolished it due to high maintenance costs and high levels of asbestos.
The old centre closed for the final time on New Year’s Eve and a public consultation was held in February.
The Strategic Development Committee agreed to push ahead with plans to build a fully accessible teaching pool and new community pool; a bigger health and fitness suite; a creche and cafe; and an exercise studio.
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Nine four-bedroom homes are also planned as part of the development including three-storey, semi-detached houses fronting Atherton Road, and terraced houses backing on to McGrath Road.
The development initially met opposition from Save the Atherton campaigners who disputed the Council’s claim that they will be saving more money by rebuilding the leisure centre rather than maintaining it.
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But Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales says rebuilding the Atherton a year on from the Olympic Games shows their “commitment to ensuring the legacy for residents”.
He added: “We are doing this at a time when other councils are closing down or selling off their assets.
“The brilliant facilities at the new Atherton Leisure Centre, together with our free swimming initiative, will enable us to create a resilient, fit and active community.”
