Whitechapel Leisure Centre to be redeveloped with new homes

Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has approved plans to redevelop the Whitechapel Leisure Centre, a project that will not only modernise the facility but also introduce new affordable homes.

The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, greenlights the demolition of the current outdated centre to make way for a new, state-of-the-art facility. The projected timeline for the Whitechapel Leisure Centre redevelopment indicates a planning submission by March 2027, with potential construction commencement in early 2028, leading to an opening in early 2031. The design phase is expected to take approximately 18-20 weeks, followed by planning approval, and then a development period of two and a half to three years.

This will include enhanced sport, fitness, and wellbeing provisions. The new Whitechapel Leisure Centre will offer two swimming pools (a six-lane full-size adult pool and a training pool for children and beginners), a larger, more accessible gym with state-of-the-art equipment, women-only spaces, and a state-of-the-art spa facility. The Strategic Leisure Needs Assessment (SLNA) identified a need for additional leisure facilities in Whitechapel, particularly for swimming, with a projected undersupply of water space and dry facilities.

Crucially, the redevelopment will also deliver 48 new affordable homes on the site, addressing the borough's housing needs. The Mayor's Accelerated Housing Programme (MAHP) aims for at least 51% affordable homes across its sites, with a focus on social rented homes and larger family-sized homes. The Tomlinson Close redevelopment will deliver 33 Social Rent homes and 22 private market sale homes. The Harriott, Apsley, and Pattison Houses regeneration scheme will include 116 new affordable homes and 59 replacement homes for existing residents.

The initial phase of the project will involve adopting capital budgets, procuring surveys and a design team, and beginning pre-application discussions with the Local Planning Authority. The estimated cost for this initial design phase is £2.3 million, funded from CIL and HRA feasibility budgets. The total investment in sport and leisure across the borough is stated to be over £100 million. The Tomlinson Close redevelopment has an estimated total scheme cost of £27.9 million. The HAP Houses regeneration scheme is a £125 million redevelopment.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman highlighted the project's dual aim of tackling health and overcrowding inequalities in the borough. He stated, While others may try to stir up noise and spread misinformation through underhand and personal attacks, this administration, ladies and gentlemen, remains focused on delivery. Delivery for every community in the Hamlets, regardless of the background.

The new leisure centre is also planned to feature a state-of-the-art spa facility and women-only spaces, aiming to encourage more women to become active in a safe and protected environment. The council is expanding free swimming sessions for all men aged 35 and over, all women aged 16 and over, and all parents and children across the borough as part of its commitment to tackling health inequality. The meeting also highlighted the expansion of women-only free swimming sessions, with over 18,000 participants, and the establishment of the Tower Hamlets Women's Commission. The Nari Centre, a women's resource centre, has also opened.

The redevelopment is part of a wider £100 million investment into sport and leisure across the borough. ¹