Plans to improve leisure centres at The Walnuts and West Wickham are moving forward, after receiving executive approval to move onto the next stage.

These plans can now move to the next step in design works.

The plans would see upgrades to the gyms, swimming pools, changing rooms, cafes, studios and seating areas.

As well as this, “new modern facilities” would be provided and a “redesign of the buildings”.

Detailed costing and technical designs are being produced now and the information is expected to come forward in the spring 2024.

Subject to approval, works could then begin in the second half of 2024.

The improved sites would then be expected to be complete in 2026, says Bromley Council.

In the meantime, the council plans to refurbish one pool at a time, so that one stays open.

Alliance Leisure, a specialist company for leisure centre redevelopment, will continue to take forward the next stage of the plans, having been appointed on the project earlier this year, including on the resident engagement.

Bromley Council has said that this decision comes after “extensive engagement with residents and service users in West Wickham and Orpington” and that this feedback has shaped the plans.

A Bromley Council spokesperson said: “We want to see first class leisure facilities at both these important sites and have been developing these exciting plans, bearing in mind the priorities raised by the residents and communities who will benefit from them.

“While we are being mindful of the costs, especially given the challenging conditions in construction currently, it is great to be moving forward with this major investment in the borough’s leisure provision, underlining Bromley council's commitment to the health and wellbeing of its residents."

Jason Stanton, CEO at Mytime Active, the borough’s long-standing leisure provider, said: “It is wonderful to see these plans moving forward, showing how important health and leisure is in Bromley.

“The way people look after their wellbeing is changing and, while Mytime Active is constantly adapting to ensure we provide new opportunities across the borough for residents to stay fit and healthy, the underlying facilities are also key in delivering high quality leisure provision.

“We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Bromley council and creating fit for purpose wellness destinations across the borough.”