Hounslow Council Cabinet approve plans to redevelop Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre

Image: Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre

Cabinet approve proposals beginning with launch of public consultation before the end of 2024

Hounslow Council has approved plans to move forward with the redevelopment of Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, following a Cabinet meeting on Monday (14 October). The outdated facility, built in 1987, has long been recognised as no longer fit for purpose, and the Council is now set to begin a public consultation before the end of the year to determine what the future centre should offer.

The Council has allocated £983,000 to appoint an architect and conduct a feasibility study which will explore options for redeveloping the centre, with a preference for retaining it at its current location.

However, the Council has not ruled out a move within the Brentford area, though no alternative sites are mentioned in the approved plans​. The architects will be tasked with creating proposals that avoid additional Council borrowing, with development costs expected to be offset by associated housing projects designed to meet local needs​.

The Council has also approved £285,000 in immediate funds to address critical issues that could otherwise force the centre’s closure. These emergency works will focus on the roof and fire safety improvements​.

Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre currently attracts 14,000 visitors a month and serves 1,700 fitness members and 1,200 swim school participants. Despite its popularity, the facility requires an estimated £3.3 million in maintenance over the next seven years to remain operational​.

The last significant investment in the centre was in 2022, when the site recieved but the heavy use of its facilities has resulted in deterioration that is now too costly to manage without a full-scale redevelopment.

As part of the redevelopment plan, the Council will undertake a borough-wide analysis using Sport England methodology to assess the need for leisure facilities and swimming pools across Hounslow. This data will guide the final proposals for the leisure centre, ensuring that it meets the future needs of the community​.

The Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre is one of six leisure centres operated by Lampton Leisure Ltd on behalf of the Council. The Cabinet’s decision to approve the redevelopment marks the third attempt to modernise the facility, with previous proposals in 2016 and two feasibility studies having been conducted without resulting in significant action​.

A key component of the approved plans is that the redeveloped leisure centre should be self-sustaining, operating without requiring further subsidies from the Council’s budget. Financial pressures have led to the directive that any new facility must not rely on Council funding, with housing developments likely to help cover the costs​.

An updated report based on community feedback and a preferred redevelopment option will be presented to the Council’s Cabinet within six months. This next stage will include a full financial assessment of the proposed plans, ensuring that they align with the Council’s overall budgetary constraints​.