Merton Council’s planning committee gave the green light last night (16 June) to the new family leisure centre planned for Morden Park.

Impression of Morden Leisure Centre

Following feedback from residents and current Morden Park Pool users, the new, affordable leisure centre will offer a 25-metre, six-lane main pool, a 15-metre x13 metre pool with moveable floor to accommodate swimming teaching, water-based exercise and diving, a 100-station fitness suite, a large studio/community room and café.

Construction is now due to start in September. The council has planned the construction so that the current ageing Morden Park Pool will only be demolished once the new leisure centre is up and running. Leisure customers will always have sports facilities throughout the works. Once the new centre is ready in early 2018, the site of Morden Park Pool will be returned to open green space.

The council has already budgeted for the new, modern leisure centre, which will be better value to Merton’s council tax payers as it will cost less to maintain in the long-run than the continuing repairs necessary to keep the current building going.

Cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper said: “We’ve worked hard to secure a good deal for our residents, providing them with a leisure centre fit for the 21st century. I am looking forward to seeing the works progress now. Our good financial planning means that even in these challenging times, we can still deliver new facilities for people living and working in Merton.”

-ENDS-