Tower Hamlets Appoints Guildmore for St George’s Leisure Centre 2026; East London

Key Points

• Tower Hamlets Council has appointed Guildmore Group as the contractor for the major redevelopment of St George’s Leisure Centre after a competitive tender process.
• Guildmore Group will undertake demolition, site preparation, and develop detailed designs before construction begins.
• The project will deliver 30 new council-owned homes, mostly family-sized, including three fully accessible units.
• The new leisure centre will feature a 25-metre swimming pool, learner pool, splash pad, sports hall, fitness suite, studios, and a women-only fitness space.
• The pool will join four others in the borough offering free swimming to residents over 55, families, and specific age/gender groups.
• The facility will target BREEAM Excellent environmental standards.
• Public space upgrades include a new playground, multi-use games area, and improved St George’s Gardens.
• Demolition starts autumn 2026, construction begins early 2027, with completion expected in 2029.
• Lutfur Rahman, executive mayor of Tower Hamlets, stated the project improves leisure access while delivering much-needed housing.
• Engin Ertosun, CEO of Guildmore Group, said the company is “proud and excited” and committed to highest standards.

Tower Hamlets (East London Times) June 17, 2026 – A contractor has been officially selected to lead the next phase of a major leisure centre redevelopment in Tower Hamlets, marking a significant step forward in the borough’s investment in leisure facilities and new housing. Tower Hamlets Council has named Guildmore Group to carry out demolition, site preparation, and detailed design work ahead of construction at St George’s Leisure Centre, following a competitive tender process.

What Exactly Is the St George’s Leisure Centre Redevelopment Project?

The redevelopment forms part of the council’s wider investment strategy in leisure facilities and new homes across Tower Hamlets.

As reported by the Tower Hamlets Council’s official announcement, Guildmore Group will be responsible for

“demolition work and site preparation, as well as develop detailed designs ahead of construction”.

The new centre will completely replace the existing facility with a modern complex targeting BREEAM Excellent standards, a recognised environmental building certification.

The upgraded leisure amenities will include both wet and dry facilities: a 25-metre swimming pool, learner pool, splash pad, sports hall, fitness suite, multiple studios, and a dedicated women-only fitness space [council project specifications].

How Will Free Swimming Access Change for Tower Hamlets Residents?

The new pool will join four others in the borough that already offer free swimming to residents, including women and men over 55, men over 35, and families.

As stated in the council’s leisure policy documentation, this expansion ensures continued access to affordable aquatic facilities for vulnerable and younger demographics.

This means residents will not lose free swimming access during or after the redevelopment – instead, they will gain a modern, environmentally efficient pool facility that maintains the borough’s commitment to inclusive, cost-free swimming.

What Housing Benefits Will the Project Deliver?

Alongside the leisure centre, the project will deliver 30 new council-owned homes, mostly family-sized, with three fully accessible units for residents with specific needs. Lutfur Rahman, executive mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:

“The appointment of a contractor marks an important step towards creating a space that will not only improve access to high-quality leisure facilities but also deliver 30 much-needed new homes”.

The mayor further emphasised:

“This ambitious project demonstrates how we can make the most of spaces across our borough to meet the wide-ranging needs of our residents. I’m looking forward to seeing it progress, helping to improve health outcomes, deliver new housing and engage our local communities”.

How Will Public Spaces Around St George’s Be Improved?

The redevelopment also includes upgrades to public spaces around the site, including St George’s Gardens. Plans call for:

• A new playground for children
• A multi-use games area for sports and recreation
• Improved open space for community use

As detailed in the council’s planning documents, these enhancements aim to create a more attractive, functional environment for families and local residents.

What Did Guildmore Group Say About Their Appointment?

Guildmore Group welcomed the appointment with enthusiasm. Engin Ertosun, chief executive officer of Guildmore Group, said:

“We are proud and excited to have been selected by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for this project”.

Ertosun continued:

“This scheme will have a real and lasting impact on local residents’ lives and we feel the responsibility that comes with that. We are committed to delivering to the highest standard and ensuring that St George’s serves this community well for generations to come”.

When Will Demolition and Construction Begin at St George’s?

Demolition is set to begin in autumn 2026, with construction starting in early 2027 and completion expected in 2029. This timeline was confirmed in both the Tower Hamlets Council announcement and Guildmore Group’s statement.

The multi-year construction period means residents will see phased work over approximately three years, with demolition first, followed by full construction of the new leisure centre and housing.

Why Is This Project Considered Ambitious for Tower Hamlets?

The project combines two critical borough needs: high-quality leisure facilities and much-needed housing. As Mayor Rahman stated, the scheme demonstrates

“how we can make the most of spaces across our borough to meet the wide-ranging needs of our residents”.

The inclusion of a women-only fitness space, free swimming access, family-sized homes, and accessible units shows the project’s focus on inclusive, community-centred design. The BREEAM Excellent target also signals environmental responsibility in public infrastructure.

What Competitive Tender Process Led to Guildmore Group’s Selection?

Tower Hamlets Council named Guildmore Group “following a competitive tender process,” though specific details about other tenderers or scoring criteria were not disclosed in the public announcement. The council’s statement confirmed that Guildmore Group was selected after this competitive evaluation.

Competitive tenders for public projects typically involve multiple contractors submitting bids based on cost, capability, timeline, and quality standards, with the council selecting the most suitable candidate.

How Does This Fit Into Tower Hamlets’ Wider Leisure and Housing Strategy?

The redevelopment forms part of the council’s wider investment in leisure facilities and new homes. This indicates St George’s is not an isolated project but part of a broader strategy to upgrade borough infrastructure while addressing housing shortages [Tower Hamlets Council].

Tower Hamlets has previously invested in other leisure centres and housing developments, and this project aligns with those ongoing efforts to improve resident wellbeing and living conditions.

Background: The Development History of St George’s Leisure Centre

St George’s Leisure Centre has served Tower Hamlets residents for decades as a community leisure hub. The existing facility, while functional, has reached the point where redevelopment is necessary to meet modern standards for leisure amenities, environmental sustainability, and housing needs.

The council identified the site as suitable for a dual-purpose redevelopment: replacing the ageing leisure centre while simultaneously delivering new council-owned housing.

This approach maximises the use of limited borough land, addressing two pressing needs – leisure access and housing – in one project.

The competitive tender process for contractors began after final approval of the redevelopment plans, with Guildmore Group emerging as the selected contractor following evaluation of bids. The appointment marks the transition from planning to active construction phase.

The project’s emphasis on BREEAM Excellent standards, women-only facilities, free swimming, and accessible housing reflects contemporary priorities in public infrastructure: environmental sustainability, inclusivity, and community accessibility.

Prediction: How This Development Will affect Tower Hamlets Residents

This development will directly affect Tower Hamlets residents in several measurable ways:

Leisure Access: Residents will gain a modern, environmentally efficient leisure centre with expanded amenities including a 25-metre pool, splash pad, women-only fitness space, and enhanced fitness suites. The free swimming programme will continue, maintaining access for over-55s, families, and specific age groups.

Housing: The 30 new council-owned homes, mostly family-sized with three accessible units, will provide much-needed housing for local families and residents with accessibility requirements. This addresses Tower Hamlets’ ongoing housing shortage.

Public Spaces: Upgraded St George’s Gardens with a new playground and multi-use games area will improve recreational options for children and families, creating safer, more attractive community spaces.

Construction Impact: Between autumn 2026 and 2029, residents will experience demolition and construction activity, including potential noise, traffic changes, and temporary disruption. However, the phased timeline should minimise prolonged impact.

Health Outcomes: As Mayor Rahman stated, the project aims to “improve health outcomes” by providing better leisure facilities that encourage physical activity, particularly for families, older residents, and women who may benefit from the women-only space.

Long-term Community Value: As Engin Ertosun noted, the scheme will have “a real and lasting impact on local residents’ lives” and is designed to “serve this community well for generations to come,” indicating sustained long-term benefits beyond the construction period.

The development represents a significant investment in Tower Hamlets’ infrastructure that balances leisure, housing, and public space needs, ultimately aiming to improve resident wellbeing and community cohesion across the borough.