More than 300 new homes are set to be built on land next to the Gurnell Leisure Centre site, and the preferred developer to build these new homes has been announced.
Countryside Properties UK Ltd (CPUK) has been appointed as the preferred bidder by Ealing Council to build the homes on land next to where the new leisure centre will stand. Detailed planning permission has been secured for the new leisure centre and surrounding area, with outline planning permission granted for the residential area and its green spaces.
Once complete, the redeveloped site will bring together modern leisure facilities, new homes, and extensive green space – improving quality of life for local people for generations to come.
Better homes, better living
A large number of the proposed homes are expected to be let at genuinely affordable rents to residents of Ealing. If detailed planning permission is obtained, the new homes will help to ease the local affordable housing crisis.
The new Gurnell development also plays an integral role in the council’s ambitious plans to create a new regional park, which will run north to south through the borough and into Hounslow. It will play a role in connecting existing parks and open spaces.
These planned new homes and the leisure centre will sit within the regional park, offering immediate access to parkland, walking and cycling routes, and an outstanding leisure centre to new residents.
‘A more connected place’
Council leader Peter Mason said: “We are bringing back a first-class Gurnell Leisure Centre for residents to enjoy for decades to come, but we want to make sure we are making best use of space available at the site. By appointing CPUK as our residential delivery partner, we are now taking a big step towards our ambition of providing hundreds of high-quality, affordable homes at the site too.”
Councillor Shital Manro is the council’s cabinet member for good growth and new homes. He said: “Once completed, these homes will be safe, warm places where local families can build better lives. This is another example of the way we are ensuring regeneration and growth in our borough benefits everyone.”
Nick Churcher, managing director for Vistry West London, which is part of CPUK, said: “This is a fantastic appointment for Vistry, providing the opportunity to deliver much-needed high-quality affordable housing at scale in collaboration with our long-term partner Ealing Council. We are very pleased to be part of this ambitious redevelopment that will have a transformational impact on the wider community.”
Next steps
Initial groundworks for the new leisure centre are due to begin this spring to allow construction to start later this year.
In due course, CPUK will apply for detailed planning permission for the new homes.
Building new homes
