Plans to shallow and retile the main swimming pool at the Chelsea Sports Centre have been approved by the Kensington and Chelsea Planning Applications Committee. The refurbishment aims to make the pool more accessible for swimming lessons, creating a more extensive area of shallow water that is more suitable for swimming lessons
, while preserving the architectural and historic significance of the Grade II listed building.
The committee reviewed a report concerning listed building consent for alterations to the Chelsea Sports Centre, located on Chelsea Manor Street. The proposed changes include shallowing and reducing the depths of the main swimming pool, replacing the pool surface with tiles, and replacing pool filters and plant equipment. The project must begin within three years of the consent date.
The report presented to the committee stated that the works would preserve the special architectural and historic interest and heritage significance of the Grade II listed building
.
The Planning Applications Committee met on 2 December 2025, with Cllr James Husband chairing the session. Other attendees included Cllr Kasim Ali, Cllr Gerard Hargreaves, Cllr Will Lane, and Cllr Roberto Weeden-Sanz. The agenda included a review of the Chelsea Sports Centre plans, as detailed in report S121 Chelsea Sports Centre Report.
The pool's depth will be reduced from 1m at the shallow end to 1.8m at the deep end. The existing pool surface, made of 'paclite', will be replaced with 12.5cm x 25cm tiles. The re-tiling of the pool lining would make it easier to keep the pool clean and hygienic by eliminating areas where algae growth can accumulate. White tiles will cover the pool floor and walls, with dark blue tiles marking lanes and red tiles indicating depth.
In addition to the pool alterations, the refurbishment includes replacing existing pool filters and plant equipment in the swimming pool plant room. The plant to be replaced is outdated and has no heritage value; its replacement would have no impact on the significance of the listed building. New equipment will include two new steel filters, pool circulation valves and pipework, new dosing and UV systems, a control panel, a plate heat exchanger, and a raw water break tank.
S121 MAP shows the location of the Chelsea Sports Centre.
No objections or letters of support were received regarding the application. Notice of the application was advertised in the Gazette and posted near the site on 4th July 2025.
