Hillingdon Council has formally marked the completion of its new Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre in West Drayton at a special ceremony held on Thursday 5 February.

The new facility significantly expands the borough's leisure and fitness offer, providing residents with access to high-quality, affordable facilities designed to support health and wellbeing. The centre will now be handed over to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), the council's long-standing leisure partner, which will operate the venue.

The Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Philip Corthorne, and Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Edwards, unveiled a commemorative plaque at the ceremony. They were joined by council Cabinet members, ward councillors, representatives from GLL and construction partners, who also took part in guided tours of the building.

Located on Rowlheys Place, the 6,488 square metre centre is the council's fifth sports facility and includes a wide range of state-of-the-art amenities. These include a 25-metre swimming pool, teaching pool, splash pad with flume – the first of its kind in the borough – and a health and fitness suite with steam and sauna facilities, alongside aerobics and spin studios.

Additional features include a two-level soft play area, sensory room, clip and climb zone with nine climbing walls, a large sports hall for activities such as basketball and racket sports, a rooftop five-a-side 3G football pitch, a café and a 135-space visitor car park. The centre will also host an expanded Family Hubs service, with a dedicated space providing support for families with children and young people aged up to 19, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities.

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Sustainability has been a key focus of the project, with the building incorporating advanced energy-efficient technologies such as hundreds of solar panels and air source heat pumps to reduce energy use and environmental impact.

Cllr Wayne Bridges, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, said: "The Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre is a fantastic addition to the borough's sports and leisure venues and has lots of exciting new facilities to support residents of all ages and abilities to live healthy and active lives.

"With everything from sports and fitness to family services and fun activities all under one roof, it will be a real community hub. I encourage local residents to come along to the open weekend to try it out and sign up for GLL's affordable memberships."

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property, said: "When the project's original contractor went into administration mid-project, we innovatively stepped in to directly manage the build ourselves, while continuing to deliver value for money for residents.

"From the outset, we've prioritised sustainability to futureproof the centre and help it operate efficiently and in line with our carbon neutral ambitions.

"It's a proud moment marking the completion of this impressive building and I hope it creates long-lasting opportunities for generations to come."

Peter Bundey, CEO of GLL, said: "GLL are delighted to continue our long-standing and hugely successful partnership with Hillingdon Council by operating the Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre.

"The new leisure centre has some of the finest facilities in the capital and as such we welcome the opportunity to utilise them to widen and deepen employment, health and social opportunity for local people."

GLL will now prepare the building for its public opening and will host a free open weekend, giving residents the chance to explore the facilities and take part in activity taster sessions.