More Details Released of Putney Leisure Centre Upgrade Plans
33-metre pool included in refurbishment programme
The pool at Putney Leisure Centre. Picture: Places Leisure
October 6, 2026
Wandsworth Council has provided more details about the plans for upgrading Putney Leisure Centre including the retention of the existing 33 metre pool.
This marks the final nail in the coffin for proposals first revealed in June, when users learned — via an unexpected email from operator Places Leisure — that the pool was due to be shortened to 25 metres. The message triggered immediate backlash, with more than 1,600 people signing a petition demanding that the full length be protected. Many swimmers said they had been blindsided by the lack of consultation and feared the loss of a rare long-distance pool in London.
The council’s new Conservative administration paused the closure within days, apologising for the lack of engagement and promising a reset of the process. Residents argued that reducing the pool’s length would worsen overcrowding and undermine its value for long-distance swimmers, clubs and training groups. The pool’s architectural significance — designed by Powell and Moya and winner of a RIBA award in 1969 — added further weight to calls for its protection.
The council says those concerns have been heard “loud and clear”. The latest plans set out a wide-ranging refurbishment of the centre, including an expanded and fully refurbished gym, a new health suite to replace the existing spa, a larger group cycling studio and a brand-new Reformer Pilates studio. The improvements are being fully funded by Places Leisure.
Family-friendly facilities will also be significantly expanded. The teaching pool is being redesigned to support water confidence and early swimming skills, and a new soft-play area will be created to offer additional space for younger children. Changing rooms are already undergoing a full makeover.
Councillor Ethan Brooks, Cabinet Member for Environment, said the upgrade aims to modernise the centre while preserving what residents value most.
“Creating a centre that serves the Putney community is our priority for this upgrade,” he said. “These improvements will bring a new lease of life to the centre, with modern facilities and new activities, whilst retaining the features and character that our community values. We thank residents for their feedback and involvement in helping these plans to be confirmed and hope that the centre remains a place that is much-loved by locals and enjoyed by all ages.”
A new café and reception area will also be introduced, designed to make the centre a more welcoming social space before and after sessions.
The works will be delivered in phases to minimise disruption, with the full programme expected to be completed by the end of summer 2027.
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