Cost of New Stonebridge Leisure Centre Soars by Millions Amidst Development of 1,000-Home Community

The redevelopment of a leisure centre in North London is poised to face a substantial increase in costs, amounting to millions of pounds beyond the initial budget approval. This escalation is attributed to rising construction expenses and the specific challenges posed by the site, as outlined by the local council. The Brent Council initially sanctioned the budget for the redevelopment of the Bridge Park Leisure and Community Centre in Stonebridge in 2019; this plan included the construction of a new leisure centre alongside a community building.

The potential loss of the centre has sparked considerable controversy, primarily due to its historical significance within London’s Black community, having once been the largest Black-led community enterprise in Europe. A persistent campaign by the Harlesden People’s Community Council (HPCC) aimed at securing national heritage status for the centre concluded unsuccessfully in December last year, thereby allowing the redevelopment plans to progress.

Rising Costs and Development Plans

Recent figures from the council indicate a notable rise in the costs associated with the redevelopment scheme. This initiative is part of the larger £600 million Hillside Regeneration Corridor project, which encompasses the construction of over 1,000 new homes, a hotel, a public park, and retail spaces. The redevelopment plan entails demolishing the existing leisure centre and replacing it with a modern facility, with construction expected to commence in April 2028.

The redevelopment of Bridge Park is slated to unfold in two distinct phases. The first phase will focus on reconstructing the leisure centre, while the second phase will involve creating a new adult education and community building. When the Brent Council Cabinet initially approved funding for the project in 2019, the estimated cost for both phases was set at £50 million. However, updated projections reveal that Phase 1 alone is now expected to cost £53.5 million, with the budget for Phase 2 yet to be disclosed.

Funding Strategies and Financial Implications

The increase in budget is primarily due to “significant cost increases” within the construction industry, driven by both national and international factors impacting inflation, as well as a deeper understanding of the site’s constraints and existing structures. To finance the Bridge Park redevelopment, the council seeks the Cabinet’s approval to allocate £39 million from the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funds—contributions paid by developers for new building projects—alongside £2.5 million in borrowing.

The council acknowledges that utilising £39 million represents a considerable expenditure of SCIL funds, which will limit resources available for other initiatives. However, it asserts that there remains a sufficient amount, including a “pipeline allocation” of £47.9 million for the broader Hillside Corridor development. Council officers are also investigating alternative funding options, such as support from Sport England and potential increases in revenue from land sales, which could mitigate the reliance on SCIL funds.

Anticipating interest costs at 5 per cent and a borrowing repayment charge of 4 per cent, the council projects that the £2.5 million in borrowing will incur an additional £250,000 expense to revenue budgets, which will be offset by a surplus in management and operational budgets.

Community Efforts and Future Facilities

A revised design proposal for the new leisure centre has emerged, promising several enhanced facilities, which include a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, a teaching pool, a fitness suite, a four-court sports hall, exercise studios, a steam room and sauna, wet and dry changing rooms, and a café. The HPCC has been proactive in advocating for the preservation of Bridge Park since the inception of the redevelopment plans, launching a public campaign in 2024 to achieve national heritage recognition.

Despite their efforts, Historic England ultimately decided against including the centre on the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest. Consequently, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, ruled that Bridge Park would not be added to the national list of protected buildings. An appeal against this decision has been filed, but the outcome remains pending, leaving the original decision intact for the time being.

Commitment to Community and Heritage

In a statement from the Cabinet Members for Regeneration and Planning, Cllr Matt Kelcher and Community Safety and Public Health, Cllr Liz Dixon, they emphasised the council’s commitment to providing and future-proofing leisure facilities. They highlighted the necessity for Brent’s residents to have access to opportunities that enhance their health and well-being. The new Bridge Park Leisure Centre is envisioned to contribute significantly by offering modern, accessible facilities in an area identified as having considerable health and deprivation-related needs.

Furthermore, the council acknowledges the historical importance of Bridge Park in the context of Black British history, recognising the community’s achievements in establishing this space in the 1980s to empower local Black residents. They are dedicated to collaborating with the community to ensure that this rich history is celebrated within the new development.

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