Ealing Council has appointed Countryside Properties, part of Vistry Group, as its preferred development partner for the residential phase of the Gurnell Leisure Centre redevelopment in Greenford, West London.
The redevelopment of the Gurnell Leisure Centre involves the provision of a new leisure centre to replace the existing centre originally built in the 1970s, as well as the delivery of more than 300 new affordable homes, which will be built by Vistry’s Countryside Properties arm. Detailed planning permission has been secured for the leisure facility and wider park landscape, and outline planning permission secured for the residential element and associated landscape.
The site comprises 13.2 hectares of brownfield land and open space situated next to Ruislip Road East and Argyle Road in Ealing. The scheme benefits from a strong transport network, with its close proximity to Heathrow and the launch of the Elizabeth line. Soon to house a new HS2 terminus, the borough is also home to a thriving economy through its industrial centres and growing creative industries.
Working with its partners and key stakeholders, the council also has plans to create a new West London Regional Park, which crosses north to south through the borough and into Hounslow, tying together green spaces for the public to access. The Gurnell residential development and new Gurnell leisure centre will sit at the centre of this Regional Park, providing opportunities for future residents to enjoy extensive parkland and recreational space on their doorstep.
Countryside Properties anticipates submitting a reserved matters planning application for the residential phase of the redevelopment later this year. HTA is the appointed architect on the scheme, with Sphere25 acting as planning consultants.
Nick Churcher, managing director for Vistry West London, commented: “This is a fantastic appointment providing the opportunity to deliver much-needed high-quality affordable housing at scale in collaboration with our long-term partner Ealing Council. We are very pleased to be part of this ambitious redevelopment that will have a transformational impact on the wider community.”
Councillor Peter Mason, the leader of Ealing Council, said: “We are bringing back a first-class Gurnell Leisure Centre for residents to enjoy for decades to come, and we want to make sure we are making best use of the space available at the site. By appointing CPUK as our residential delivery partner, we are taking a big step towards our ambition of also providing hundreds of high-quality, affordable homes at the site. Once completed, these homes will be safe, warm places where local families can build better lives. This is another example of the way we are ensuring regeneration and growth in our borough benefits everyone.”
