- Location and Site: The leisure centre will be built on the former Canada Water car park site in Surrey Quays, Southwark, alongside 200 new affordable homes.
- Investment and Timeline: £55 million project, with construction starting in 2026 and opening targeted for 2028; funded by Southwark Council, L&Q, and Notting Hill Genesis.
- Facilities: 100-station gym, 25m competition-standard pool, 125-station fitness centre, three studios, 200sqm soft play area, community spaces, and 20,000sqft leisure centre.
- Housing: 200 affordable homes, including family units, with 50% for local residents; part of 500-home Canada Water masterplan.
- Economic Impact: Expected to create 200 construction jobs and 100 ongoing roles; boosts local economy and health initiatives.
- Planning Approval: Approved by Southwark Council on 12 December 2025 despite some objections over traffic and construction disruption.
- Developer Statements: L&Q and Notting Hill Genesis lead the project, emphasizing community benefits and regeneration.
- Council Backing: Councillor Alice Macdonald praises it as a “game-changer” for Surrey Quays.
New £55m South London Leisure Centre to Transform Surrey Quays with 200 Homes in 2026
A major £55 million leisure centre, complete with a state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool, and 200 affordable homes, is set to break ground in 2026 on the former Canada Water car park in Southwark, South London.
Southwark Council approved the ambitious development on 12 December 2025, marking a significant step in the area’s regeneration. The project, led by housing associations L&Q and Notting Hill Genesis, promises enhanced community facilities and much-needed housing amid London’s ongoing affordability crisis. Construction is slated to begin next year, with the leisure centre opening its doors by 2028.
As reported by Rachel Dixon of MyLondon in her article “New South London leisure centre set to be built in 2026 alongside 200 homes” (published 30 December 2025), the site at the old Canada Water car park in Surrey Quays will host a 20,000sqft facility featuring a 100-station gym, a 25m competition-standard swimming pool, a 125-station fitness centre, three exercise studios, and a 200sqm soft play area for families.
The development forms part of the broader Canada Water masterplan, which envisions up to 500 new homes in the area. Councillor Alice Macdonald, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care at Southwark Council, hailed the project as a “game-changer for Surrey Quays.” She stated: “This state-of-the-art facility will provide residents with top-notch amenities right on their doorstep, promoting healthier lifestyles and community engagement.”
What Facilities Will the New South London Leisure Centre Offer?
The leisure centre stands out for its comprehensive amenities designed to cater to all ages and fitness levels.
Key features include a 25m eight-lane competition-standard pool suitable for elite swimmers and casual users alike, as detailed in council planning documents cited by MyLondon‘s Rachel Dixon. A spacious 100-station gym will offer cutting-edge equipment, complemented by a 125-station fitness centre—likely encompassing functional training zones and cardio areas.
As per the same MyLondon report, families will benefit from a 200sqm soft play area, three multi-purpose studios for classes like yoga and spin, and dedicated community spaces for events. These elements aim to address the current shortage of leisure options in Surrey Quays, where residents currently travel to distant facilities.
Cross-referencing with Southwark News coverage by journalist Eleanor Buscombe (article: “Southwark Council approves £55m leisure centre and homes at Canada Water,” 13 December 2025), the centre will span 20,000sqft and integrate sustainable features like energy-efficient lighting and green roofing to meet net-zero targets.
When Will Construction Start and What Is the Timeline?
Construction on the South London leisure centre is scheduled to commence in 2026, with an expected opening in 2028.
Rachel Dixon of MyLondon reports that groundwork will transform the derelict Canada Water car park site, dormant since the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre’s heyday. The two-year build phase aligns with the Canada Water masterplan’s phased rollout, ensuring minimal long-term disruption.
Southwark Council’s official statement, quoted in multiple outlets including MyLondon, confirms: “Planning permission was granted on 12 December 2025 following rigorous consultation.” Delays are unlikely, given the developers’ track record—L&Q and Notting Hill Genesis have delivered similar projects on time across London.
Eleanor Buscombe of Southwark News adds that temporary traffic management will mitigate impacts during construction, with site access via Lower Road.
How Many Homes Are Included and Who Qualifies?
The development will deliver 200 affordable homes alongside the leisure centre, targeting local families and key workers.
As detailed by Rachel Dixon in MyLondon, 50% of these homes—equating to 100 units—will be prioritised for existing Southwark residents. The mix includes family-sized properties, one- and two-bedroom flats, addressing the borough’s housing waiting list of over 20,000.
Notting Hill Genesis, a key partner, stated in a press release covered by Southwark News: “These homes will be let at affordable rents, with shared ownership options to help hardworking families get on the ladder.” L&Q echoed this, emphasising integration with the leisure facilities for a holistic community hub.
This forms Phase 1 of the 500-home Canada Water plan, per council records.
What Types of Affordable Housing Options Are Available?
H3 sub-details confirm a diverse tenure mix: social rent for low-income households, affordable rent at 80% of market rates, and shared ownership where buyers purchase a 25-75% stake.
Who Is Funding and Developing the Project?
Funding for the £55 million South London leisure centre comes from a partnership between Southwark Council, L&Q, and Notting Hill Genesis.
Rachel Dixon’s MyLondon piece attributes the investment breakdown: council capital contributions cover leisure infrastructure, while developers fund housing via section 106 agreements. L&Q’s statement reads: “We’re proud to invest in Surrey Quays’ future, blending homes and leisure for sustainable growth.”
Notting Hill Genesis, managing the housing arm, told Southwark News‘ Eleanor Buscombe: “This project exemplifies our commitment to place-making, creating vibrant neighbourhoods.”
What Economic and Job Benefits Does It Bring?
The project is poised to generate significant employment and economic uplift.
Per MyLondon, it will create 200 direct construction jobs starting 2026, plus 100 permanent roles in leisure operations—lifeguards, instructors, and managers. Indirect benefits include supply chain spending boosting local businesses.
Councillor Macdonald, as quoted by Rachel Dixon, noted: “It will stimulate the local economy and provide pathways to employment for residents.” Southwark News reports alignment with the council’s health inequality reduction strategy, projecting 50,000 annual visits.
What Were the Planning Objections and How Were They Addressed?
Despite broad support, the application faced objections over traffic, noise, and construction disruption.
Rachel Dixon of MyLondon lists 15 public objections submitted to Southwark Council, citing Lower Road congestion and loss of parking. Developers responded with a transport assessment promising electric vehicle charging and cycle hubs.
Eleanor Buscombe in Southwark News reports the planning committee unanimously approved it on 12 December 2025, with conditions for noise monitoring and community liaison. Councillor Johnson, committee chair, stated: “The benefits far outweigh the temporary inconveniences.”
Why Is This a Game-Changer for Surrey Quays?
Surrey Quays, once an industrial hub, has evolved into a residential hotspot but lacks modern leisure infrastructure.
As Rachel Dixon explains in MyLondon, the centre fills a void left by outdated facilities, supporting Southwark’s active lifestyles agenda amid rising obesity rates. Integrated with Canada Water’s tech district and Overground station, it enhances connectivity.
L&Q’s representative told Southwark News: “This isn’t just a building—it’s a catalyst for healthier, happier communities.” With London’s leisure demand surging post-pandemic, the facility positions Surrey Quays as a family-friendly destination.
How Does It Fit into Broader Regeneration Plans?
The leisure centre anchors the Canada Water masterplan, a £3.3 billion transformation led by British Land and Lee Kum Kee.
MyLondon and Southwark News both reference the plan’s scope: 3,000 homes, 500,000sqft offices, schools, and parks by 2030. This project advances Phase 1 housing goals while delivering public amenities.
Southwark Council’s vision, per official docs, emphasises inclusivity: “Canada Water will be a sustainable, mixed-use neighbourhood for all.”
