Key Points:
- Tower Hamlets has unveiled plans for a £62.5m redevelopment of the St George’s Leisure Centre site in Shadwell.
- The project includes a new four-storey leisure centre and 29 council-owned homes, with 10% wheelchair-accessible.
- The leisure centre will feature both wet and dry wellness facilities.
- A new residential building, set to rise to eight storeys, will be located alongside the leisure centre.
- Public realm upgrades for surrounding streets are also planned.
- The council is using a two-stage design and build procurement process.
- A main contractor will be selected by December 2025 for the project’s pre-construction and construction phases.
- The demolition phase of the project is scheduled to last four months, with final handover set for November 2028.
- The leisure building aims to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.
- Contractors with a turnover over £30m are invited to submit case studies by 30 April 2025.
Tower Hamlets plans to redevelop the St George’s Leisure Centre site, investing £62.5m in a mixed-use development that will provide both leisure and housing facilities. The scheme includes a new four-storey leisure centre and 29 council-owned homes, ten percent of which will be wheelchair-accessible.
What will the new leisure centre include?
The new St George’s Leisure Centre will span 5,854 square metres, offering a wide range of wellness amenities, both wet and dry. There will also be plant space located in the basement of the building. The project aims to create a modern, sustainable community resource that supports health and fitness.
How many homes will be built as part of the project?
The redevelopment will provide 29 council-owned homes, with 10% being designed for wheelchair users. The residential part of the development will be located alongside the new leisure centre, with the building rising to eight storeys.
What safety features are included in the residential building?
The new residential building, which is designated as high-risk, will feature two stair cores and a full sprinkler system to meet fire safety standards. This is part of the council’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the development.
How will the site be divided?
The two main buildings—the leisure centre and residential building—will be positioned at opposite ends of the site. They will be divided by a shared service zone, which will include disabled parking facilities. This zoning will help create a functional layout for both public and private spaces.
What public realm upgrades are planned?
As part of the redevelopment, there will be public realm upgrades for surrounding streets, including Solander Gardens, St George’s Gardens, and The Highway frontage. This initiative is designed to enhance the local environment and provide better connectivity for residents and visitors.
What procurement process will Tower Hamlets use?
Tower Hamlets will use a two-stage design and build procurement route. This means that the selected contractor will first be involved in pre-construction services like demolition and finalising designs, before moving into the full construction phase. The council plans to award the contract by December 2025.
When is the demolition phase expected to begin?
The demolition phase of the project is set to last for four months, running in parallel with the main contractor’s pre-construction services agreement. This will allow the development to proceed smoothly, with site investigations feeding into the final designs.
What is the project timeline?
The full construction programme is currently scheduled to begin on 29 August 2026, with final handover planned for 30 November 2028. The leisure centre’s construction will take 24 months, while the residential building is expected to take 18 months to complete.
What environmental goals does the project have?
The project aims to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for the leisure building, aligning with sustainability goals and environmental responsibility. This will help ensure the development meets high standards for environmental performance and energy efficiency.
How can contractors get involved?
Tower Hamlets is currently inviting contractors with a turnover of £30m or more to submit case studies by 30 April 2025. A shortlist of ten firms will be selected for one-to-one meetings with council staff in May. The council also plans to engage with smaller firms and suppliers later in the year to maximise local economic and social value.
What are the expectations for local supply chains?
The council is urging bidders to demonstrate a strong approach to involving local SME suppliers. This is part of Tower Hamlets’ strategy to maximise the economic and social value from the investment, ensuring that the redevelopment benefits the local community and economy.
