Bromley Council has approved repairs to the concourse above the Poundland unit at 63 The Walnuts in Orpington, allocating £902,168 from the Operational Property Review (OPR) budget. The concourse, situated in front of the Walnuts leisure centre entrance, has been plagued by water leaks, raising concerns about potential structural decline.
The decision was made during a Renewal, Recreation and Housing Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday.
Investigations revealed that significant water ingress was affecting the supporting structure, necessitating urgent repairs. The approved works, costing £820,152.72, will address these issues by replacing the concourse paving, installing a waterproof membrane, and repairing the concrete structure below. A 10% contingency is being retained within the overall budget.
The approved works will include:
- External façade repairs and replacement of end-of-life materials
- External drainage repairs
- Internal mechanical and electrical refurbishment
- Internal and external finishes and signage
- Internal wheelchair accessible toilet
- New exhibition and interior design
The council has emphasized the importance of swift action to prevent further degradation of the concourse structure. By utilising the existing contract with Alliance Leisure Services, the council aims to expedite the repairs and achieve value for money. The agreed rates within the leisure centre contract and the avoidance of duplicated preliminary costs are expected to contribute to significant savings.
According to the council report, the repairs are scheduled to be completed before the planned opening of the Walnuts leisure centre in Spring 2026. While some work on the underside of the concourse may continue beyond the opening, it is not expected to impact public access.
The initial estimated value of the Walnuts Development Management Agreement with Alliance Leisure was £14.04M. Modifications of £416k of additional works have already been instructed under this agreement, funded by the project contingency. The cumulative value of modifications, inclusive of the Poundlands/Walnuts concourse works, is £1.2m.
